Cofilin phosphatases and regulation of actin dynamics

Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2006 Feb;18(1):26-31. doi: 10.1016/j.ceb.2005.11.005. Epub 2005 Dec 7.

Abstract

Cofilin is a ubiquitous actin-binding factor required for the reorganization of actin filaments in eukaryotes. The dephosphorylation of cofilin enables its actin severing and depolymerizing activity and drives directional cell motility, thus providing a simple phosphoregulatory mechanism for actin reorganization. To date, two cofilin-specific phosphatases have been identified: Slingshot and Chronophin. These cofilin phosphatases are unrelated in sequence and regulatory properties, each potentially providing a unique mechanism for cofilin activation under varying biological circumstances.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actin Depolymerizing Factors / physiology*
  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Hydrolases / metabolism
  • Phosphoprotein Phosphatases / chemistry
  • Phosphoprotein Phosphatases / genetics
  • Phosphoprotein Phosphatases / physiology*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Actin Depolymerizing Factors
  • Actins
  • Hydrolases
  • PDXP protein, human
  • Phosphoprotein Phosphatases
  • SSH1 protein, human
  • 2-haloacid dehalogenase