Functional Actin Networks under Construction: The Cooperative Action of Actin Nucleation and Elongation Factors.

Cells require actin nucleation factors to catalyze the formation of actin networks and elongation factors to control the rate and extent of actin polymerization. Earlier models suggested that the different factors assemble actin networks independently. However, recent evidence indicates that the assembly of most cellular networks involves multiple nucleation and elongation factors that work in concert.

Toward the reconstitution of synthetic cell motility.

Cellular motility is a fundamental process essential for embryonic development, wound healing, immune responses, and tissues development. Cells are mostly moving by crawling on external, or inside, substrates which can differ in their surface composition, geometry, and dimensionality. Cells can adopt different migration phenotypes, e.

Co-assembly, spatiotemporal control and morphogenesis of a hybrid protein-peptide system.

Controlling molecular interactions between bioinspired molecules can enable the development of new materials with higher complexity and innovative properties. Here we report on a dynamic system that emerges from the conformational modification of an elastin-like protein by peptide amphiphiles and with the capacity to access, and be maintained in, non-equilibrium for substantial periods of time. The system enables the formation of a robust membrane that displays controlled assembly and disassembly capabilities, adhesion and sealing to surfaces, self-healing and the capability to undergo morphogenesis into tubular structures with high spatiotemporal control.