Actin cytoskeleton

The **actin cytoskeleton** is a dynamic intracellular network of actin filaments (microfilaments), assembled from globular actin (G-actin) polymerized into filamentous actin (F-actin). It provides structural support, maintains cell shape, and enables a wide array of cellular processes such as division, motility, muscle contraction, and intracellular transport. The actin cytoskeleton is regulated by various actin-binding proteins that control filament assembly, organization, and disassembly[1][2][4][8]. Changes in actin cytoskeletal dynamics underpin essential biology and are involved in many pathologies, but as a network rather than a discrete molecular entity, it is not a canonical drug target but serves as a central hub in cell biology. For future structured data, individual components (e.g., actin itself, Arp2/3 complex, or specific actin isoforms) should be considered as molecular targets rather than the entire cytoskeletal system[1][5].

Other names

Actin filament networkMicrofilament systemF-actin network

Inhibition of actin polymerization or depolymerization. Stabilization or disruption of actin filaments. Modulation of actin-binding protein function[4]