Filamentous actin barbed end (F-actin barbed end)

The Filamentous actin (F-actin) barbed end, also known as the plus end, is the primary site of rapid actin monomer (G-actin) addition and filament growth within the cellular cytoskeleton. This dynamic structure is essential for generating the mechanical force required for cell motility, cytokinesis, and the maintenance of cell shape (Pollard & Borisy, 2003). Regulation of the barbed end is managed by a variety of endogenous proteins, including capping proteins like CapZ and severing proteins like gelsolin, which control filament length and stability (Edwards et al., 2014). In pathological states, such as cancer metastasis, the dysregulation of barbed end dynamics allows for uncontrolled cell migration and invasion (Yamaguchi & Condeelis, 2007). Furthermore, certain intracellular pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes, hijack barbed end assembly to move within and between host cells (Loisel et al., 1999). Pharmacological agents like cytochalasins specifically target the barbed end to inhibit polymerization, serving as powerful tools in cell biology research and potential templates for anti-metastatic or anti-pathogenic therapies, although their high systemic toxicity remains a significant therapeutic challenge (Cooper, 1987).

Other names

Plus endFast-growing endActin filament barbed endBarbed end

Capping of the barbed end to prevent the addition and dissociation of actin subunits, thereby inhibiting filament polymerization and dynamics.