Actin-Binding Proteins
Actin-binding proteins are a diverse group of proteins that interact with actin, a key component of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells. These proteins play crucial roles in regulating the dynamics of actin filaments, influencing processes such as cell shape, motility, and division. They can promote the assembly or disassembly of actin filaments, thereby controlling the structure and function of the cytoskeleton.
Some actin-binding proteins include profilin, which facilitates the addition of actin monomers to growing filaments, and cofilin, which severs actin filaments to promote turnover. By modulating the behavior of actin, these proteins are essential for various cellular activities, including muscle contraction and cell migration.