ADF/cofilins disassemble the actin filament and contribute to a wide range of actin dynamics. These proteins are regulated by several factors, including phosphorylation, pH and mechanical forces. Although the cofilin-decorated actin filament structure was published recently, the mechanisms of these regulating factors remain unclear. Models that describe regulation based on the latest structural data and research will be discussed. Aspects about the interaction between actin and cofilin that require further investigation are also discussed.
Keywords: Actin; Cofilin; Mechanical force; Phosphorylation; Regulation.