Lecture 10: The cytoskeleton 2 Flashcards
What is the overall process of cell migration?
- Polymerisation of actin monomers at leading end pushes plasma membrane forwards
- Forms new region of actin cortex
- New anchorage points made between bottom of cell and surface
- Contraction of rear end mediated by myosin II motor proteins draws body of cell fowards
- New anchorage points made at front and old ones at the back released
- Cycle repeats
What are the three main mechanisms of animal cell migration?
Cell pushes out protrusions at leading edge of cell
Protrusions adhere to surface
Rear of cell is pulled forwards
What is the role of the Arp2/3 complex as the cell pushes out protrusions?
- Complex binds to side of existing actin filaments
- Nucleates assemble of new actin filaments and causes branching
- Prevents disassembly at minus end
Where is the main nucleator of actin filaments located?
Lamellipodia
What is the role of actin polymerisation as the cell pushes out protrusions?
- Actin polymerisation pushes cell forwards
- Actin filaments disassemble at the rear of the lamellipodium
What are filopodia?
Extend by actin polymerisation pushing on plasma membrane
Role in guiding migrating cell by probing environment and establishing new contacts
What are formins?
Actin nucleating proteins attached to plasma membrane
Add actin monomers to plus end of actin filaments to form filopodia
Why don’t formins slide back?
Anchored into place by interactions with other actin filaments via cross linking proteins
How do protrusions adhere to the surface?
Focal contacts contain integrins
Contractile actin bundles attach to focal contacts
How is the rear of the cell pulled forwards?
Motor protein myosin II
What are the two different types of intermediate filaments?
Cytoplasmic : found in animals except arthropods or hydra
Nuclear : found in all animals
What is an example of a cytoplasmic intermediate filament?
Keratin filaments
What is an example of a nuclear intermediate filament?
Nuclear lamins
What are nuclear lamins?
Made up of intermediate fibres underlying the nuclear envelope in nucleated cells
How can nuclear lamins cause disease?
Mutations can lead to diseases like progeria