Actin Polymerization: A Cellular Perspective For Motility

The first chapter introduces the importance of actin and its polymerization dynamics in general. It briefs about the major cellular processes that are controlled by the virtue of controlled regulation of actin polymerization process. It also summarizes different pathophysiological conditions arising due to impaired regulation of actin. Further, we also discuss the importance of acting polymerization in motility in different prokaryotic and eukaryotic cellular organisms. Finally, we conclude by introducing the phenomenon of gliding motility in apicomplexans, where actin which is the central player is tightly controlled by a minimal set of regulatory proteins. This is quite unlike higher eukaryotes where the number of similar actin-binding accessory proteins is fairly high.