Abstract
The actin-binding protein gelsolin is involved in remodeling the actin cytoskeleton during growth-factor signaling, apoptosis, cytokinesis, and cell movement. Calcium-activated gelsolin severs and caps actin filaments. The 3.4 angstrom x-ray structure of the carboxyl-terminal half of gelsolin (G4-G6) in complex with actin reveals the basis for gelsolin activation. Calcium binding induces a conformational rearrangement in which domain G6 is flipped over and translated by about 40 angstroms relative to G4 and G5. The structural reorganization tears apart the continuous β sheet core of G4 and G6. This exposes the actin-binding site on G4, enabling severing and capping of actin filaments to proceed.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1939-1942 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Science |
Volume | 286 |
Issue number | 5446 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 3 1999 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General