Fig. 1: Formation of F-actin and branched and bundled network structures.
From: Roles of cytoskeleton in metastasis: from its mechanism to therapeutic strategies
a F-actin is formed through actin nucleation and elongation, initiated by the stable assembly of three ATP-bound actin monomers. b F-actin networks are classified into branched and bundled structures. Branched actin networks are nucleated by the Arp2/3 complex, activated by the WASP family. These networks form lamellipodia, enabling broad membrane protrusions. By contrast, bundled actin networks, formed by crosslinking proteins such as fascin and α-actinin, form filopodia and stress fibers.
