An atomic model of actin filaments cross-linked by fimbrin and its implications for bundle assembly and function

J Cell Biol. 2001 May 28;153(5):947-56. doi: 10.1083/jcb.153.5.947.

Abstract

Actin bundles have profound effects on cellular shape, division, adhesion, motility, and signaling. Fimbrin belongs to a large family of actin-bundling proteins and is involved in the formation of tightly ordered cross-linked bundles in the brush border microvilli and in the stereocilia of inner ear hair cells. Polymorphism in these three-dimensional (3D) bundles has prevented the detailed structural characterization required for in-depth understanding of their morphogenesis and function. Here, we describe the structural characterization of two-dimensional arrays of actin cross-linked with human T-fimbrin. Structural information obtained by electron microscopy, x-ray crystallography, and homology modeling allowed us to build the first molecular model for the complete actin-fimbrin cross-link. The restriction of the arrays to two dimensions allowed us to deduce the spatial relationship between the components, the mode of fimbrin cross-linking, and the flexibility within the cross-link. The atomic model of the fimbrin cross-link, the cross-linking rules deduced from the arrays, and the hexagonal packing of actin bundles in situ were all combined to generate an atomic model for 3D actin-fimbrin bundles. Furthermore, the assembly of the actin-fimbrin arrays suggests coupling between actin polymerization, fimbrin binding, and crossbridge formation, presumably achieved by a feedback between conformational changes and changes in affinity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / chemistry*
  • Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Actin Cytoskeleton / ultrastructure*
  • Actins / chemistry
  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Actins / ultrastructure*
  • Biopolymers / chemistry
  • Biopolymers / metabolism
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Fourier Analysis
  • Humans
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / ultrastructure
  • Microfilament Proteins*
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Molecular
  • Pliability
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Sequence Homology

Substances

  • Actins
  • Biopolymers
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • plastin
  • Calcium