FUNCTION AND MALFUNCTION OF MICROFILAMENTS

 

 

á Main function is in cell motility, along with microtubules

á Important in cell division, in anchoring centrosomes and in cytokinesis

á forms a band just beneath the plasma membrane, giving cell mechanical strength, links transmembrane proteins

 

Malfunctions lead to:

Cancer

-       structural and functional perturbations of the actin cytoskeleton correlate with higher proliferation rates and uncontrolled movement [Giganti, A. Et al, 2003], we can use this as a therapeutic target

-       uncontrolled celled migration is sign of cancerous cell

-       focal adhesion abnormalities is a feature in cell malignancy

-       possible remodelling of cell focal adhesions may be able to inhibit invasion of tumours [McHardy LM. Et al, 2004]

-       angiogenesis inhibited by targeting cytoskeleton [Keezer, SM. Et al [2003]