Structure of arp2/3 complex in its activated state and in actin filament branch junctions

N. Volkmann, K. J. Amann, S. Stoilova-McPhie, C. Egile, D. C. Winter, L. Hazelwood, J. E. Heuser, R. Li, T. D. Pollard, D. Hanein

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

213 Scopus citations

Abstract

The seven-subunit Arp2/3 complex choreographs the formation of branched actin networks at the leading edge of migrating cells. When activated by Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome protein (WASp), the Arp2/3 complex initiates actin filament branches from the sides of existing filaments. Electron cryomicroscopy and three-dimensional reconstruction of Acanthamoeba castellanii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Arp2/3 complexes bound to the WASp carboxy-terminal domain reveal asymmetric, oblate ellipsoids. Image analysis of actin branches indicates that the complex binds the side of the mother filament, and Arp2 and Arp3 (for actin-related protein) are the first two subunits of the daughter filament. Comparison to the actin-free, WASp-activated complexes suggests that branch initiation involves large-scale structural rearrangements within Arp2/3.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2456-2459
Number of pages4
JournalScience
Volume293
Issue number5539
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 28 2001
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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