Lamellipodia protrusion: moving interactions of vinculin and Arp2/3

Abstract

A direct, transient interaction between vinculin and Arp2/3 is required to promote receptor-stimulated lamellipodial extension and cell spreading. Vinculin selectively recruits Arp2/3 to the leading edge of the lamellipodium, where it may couple the actin polymerization machinery to adhesion complexes to promote membrane protrusion over ruffling.