Actin Concentrations in Cell Protrusions
Author Information
Author(s): Stefan A. Koestler, Klemens Rottner, Frank Lai, Jennifer Block, Marlene Vinzenz, J. Victor Small
Primary Institution: Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Austrian Academy of Sciences
Hypothesis
What are the concentrations of F- and G-actin in the lamellipodia of moving cells?
Conclusion
The study found that the concentrations of F- and G-actin in lamellipodia are approximately 500 µM and 150 µM, respectively.
Supporting Evidence
- The ratio of F- to G-actin was found to be 3.2.
- F-actin concentration was estimated at approximately 500 µM.
- G-actin concentration was estimated at around 150 µM.
- The study provides direct measurements of actin concentrations in living cells.
Takeaway
This study looked at how much of two types of actin, F-actin and G-actin, are in the parts of cells that help them move. They found that there is a lot more G-actin than needed for the cell to move quickly.
Methodology
The researchers used fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy to measure actin concentrations in living cells.
Limitations
The study assumes that G-actin concentrations at different points in the lamellipodium are similar, which may not always be the case.
Participant Demographics
B16-F1 mouse melanoma cells were used in the experiments.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
3.2 ± 0.9 for the F- to G-actin ratio
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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