Motile cells extend a leading edge by assembling a branched network of actin filaments that
produces physical force as the polymers grow beneath the plasma membrane. A core set of …

Lamellipodia, filopodia and membrane ruffles are essential for cell motility, the organization
of membrane domains, phagocytosis and the development of substrate adhesions. Their …

The process of engulfing a foreign particle–phagocytosis–is of fundamental importance for a
wide diversity of organisms. From simple unicellular organisms that use phagocytosis to …

The past decade has seen a remarkable explosion in our knowledge of the size and
diversity of the myosin superfamily. Since these actin-based motors are candidates to …

The SH3 domain is perhaps the best-characterized member of the growing family of protein-
interaction modules. By binding with moderate affinity and selectivity to proline-rich ligands …

Endocytosis depends on an extensive network of interacting proteins that execute a series of
distinct subprocesses. Previously, we used live-cell imaging of six budding-yeast proteins to …

Actin polymerization often occurs at the plasma membrane to drive the protrusion of
lamellipodia and filopodia at the leading edge of migrating cells. A role for actin …

Endocytosis, the process whereby the plasma membrane invaginates to form vesicles, is
essential for bringing many substances into the cell and for membrane turnover. The …

Cell polarity is defined as asymmetry in cell shape, protein distributions and cell functions. It
is characteristic of single-cell organisms, including yeast and bacteria, and cells in tissues of …

▪ Abstract Eukaryotic cells use actin polymerization to change shape, move, and internalize
extracellular materials by phagocytosis and endocytosis, and to form contractile structures …