Nucleation, stabilization, and disassembly of branched actin networks

Alexis Gautreau (1, 2) , Fred Fregoso , Gleb Simanov (3) , Roberto Dominguez

1 IP Paris - Institut Polytechnique de Paris
2 Skoltech - Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology [Moscow]
3 BIOC - Laboratoire de Biochimie de l'Ecole polytechnique

Arp2/3 complex is an actin filament nucleation and branching machinery conserved in all eukaryotes from yeast to human. Arp2/3 complex branched networks generate pushing forces that drive cellular processes ranging from membrane remodeling to cell and organelle motility. Several molecules regulate these processes by directly inhibiting or activating Arp2/3 complex and by stabilizing or disassembling branched networks. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of Arp2/3 complex regulation, including high-resolution cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures that illuminate the mechanisms of Arp2/3 complex activation and branch formation, and novel cellular pathways of branch formation, stabilization, and debranching. We also identify major gaps in our understanding of Arp2/3 complex inhibition and branch stabilization and disassembly.

Mots clés: Arp2/3 complex; branched network stabilization and disassembly; inhibitors; mechanosensation; nucleation-promoting factors

Domaines: Sciences du Vivant [q-bio]

Alexis Gautreau, Fred Fregoso, Gleb Simanov, Roberto Dominguez. Nucleation, stabilization, and disassembly of branched actin networks. Trends in Cell Biology, 2022, 32 (5), pp.421-432. ⟨10.1016/j.tcb.2021.10.006⟩. ⟨hal-03804978⟩