Abstracts » Zoology and wildlife conservation

Actin branches out

Article Abstract:

Cell movement is essential for the development and survival of multicellular organisms, although it can be detrimental as when cancer cells move to distant parts of the body. The polymerization of actin monomers into filaments close to the plasma membrane is thought to be responsible for cell movement. Mullins and colleagues have shown that a seven-protein complex is central to the organization of actin-related proteins Arp2 and Arp3. A model has been proposed for the mechanism of actin polymerization at the leading edge of the cell.

Cells, Cell migration

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Actin-based motility of vaccinia virus

Article Abstract:

A study has been conducted to examine the role of the cytoskeleton during viral infection of the vaccinia virus using mutant and drug studies. The results showed that the vaccinia virus forms a intracellular envelop capable of inducing the formation of actin tails that are similar to those seen in Listeria and Shigella viral infections. The virus extends outwards using the actin projections to contact and infect neighboring cells. Studies show that this mechanism is similar to that used by bacterial pathogens.

Virus diseases, Cytoskeleton, Vaccinia

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Actin-based motility of vaccinia virus mimics receptor tyrosine kinase signalling

Article Abstract:

Phosphorylation of tyrosine 112 in the viral protein A36R by Src-family kinases is required for the actin-based motility of vaccinia. Tyrosine phosphorylation of A36R leads to direct interaction with Nck, the adaptor protein, and recruitment of N-WASP. Nck and N-WASP are required for actin-based motility of vaccinia virus.

Bacteria, Protein tyrosine kinase, Protein-tyrosine kinase, Bacterial motility

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