The cytoskeleton and cell movement: general considerations

Abstract

The cytoskeletal proteins, actin, myosin, tubulin, dynein, and their associated proteins, are discussed selectively with regards to their biochemical and structural properties. Particular emphasis is placed on the comparison of non-muscle proteins to their muscle counterparts, and on the various mechanisms for regulating actin polymerization, actin-myosin interaction, and tubulin polymerization. This review as well as the bibliography accompanying it is selective. An attempt is made to stress the most recent findings and to emphasize those areas which appear to hold the greatest promise for future research.