From solution to surface to filament: actin flux into branched networks

The actin cytoskeleton comprises a set of filament networks that perform essential functions in eukaryotic cells. The idea that actin filaments incorporate monomers directly from solution forms both the “textbook picture” of filament elongation and a conventional starting point for quantitative modeling of cellular actin dynamics. Recent work, however, reveals that filaments created by two major regulators, the formins and the Arp2/3 complex, incorporate monomers delivered by nearby proteins. Specifically, actin enters Arp2/3-generated networks via binding sites on nucleation promoting factors clustered on membrane surfaces. Here, we describe three functions of this surface-associated actin monomer pool: (1) regulating network density via product inhibition of the Arp2/3 complex; (2) accelerating filament elongation as a distributive polymerase; and (3) converting profilin-actin into a substrate for the Arp2/3 complex. These linked functions control the architecture of branched networks and explain how capping protein enhances their growth.