Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Open Access

Cytoskeletal proteins, which consist of different sub-families of proteins including microtubules, actin and intermediate filaments, are essential for survival and cellular methods in each normal as well as most cancers cells. However, in cancer cells, these mechanisms may be altered to promote tumour development and progression, whereby the functions of cytoskeletal proteins are co-opted to facilitate increased migrative and invasive capabilities, proliferation, as well as resistance to cell and environmental stresses. Herein, we speak the cytoskeletal responses to important intracellular stresses (such as mitochondrial, endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stresses), and delineate the consequences of those responses, including outcomes on oncogenic signalling. In addition, we elaborate how the cytoskeleton and its related molecules gift themselves as therapeutic targets. The capacity and barriers of targeting new classes of cytoskeletal proteins also are explored, in the context of developing novel techniques that impact most cancers progression.

Cytoskeletal filaments provide the basis for cell movement. For instance, cilia and (eukaryotic) flagella move as a result of microtubules [1] sliding along each other. In fact, cross sections of these tail-like cellular extensions show organized arrays of microtubules.

Other cell movements, such as the pinching off of the cell membrane in the final step of cell division (also known as cytokinesis) are produced by the contractile capacity of actin filament networks [2]]. Actin filaments are extremely dynamic and can rapidly form and disassemble. In fact, this dynamic action underlies the crawling behaviour of cells such as amoebae [3]]. At the leading edge of a moving cell, actin filaments are rapidly polymerizing; at its rear edge, they are quickly depolymerizing. A large number of other proteins participate in actin assembly and disassembly as well.

What Is the Cytoskeleton Made Of?

The cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells is made of filamentous proteins, and it provides mechanical support to the cell and its cytoplasmic constituents [4]. All cytoskeletons consist of 3 major classes of elements that differ in size and in protein composition. Microtubules are the largest kind of filament, with a diameter of about 25 nanometres (nm), and they're composed of a protein called tubulin [5]. Actin filaments are the smallest type, with a diameter of simplest about 6 nm, and they're product of a protein called actin. Intermediate filaments, as their call suggests, are mid-sized, with a diameter of about 10 nm [6]. Unlike actin filaments and microtubules, intermediate filaments are constructed from some of different subunit proteins.

Cytoskeletal Structure

The cytoskeleton in the eukaryotic cell is made up of 3 styles of protein filaments:

Actin filaments (also called microfilaments):

Monomers of the protein actin polymerize to form long, thin fibres which can be about eight nm in diameter [7]. They offer mechanical energy to the cellular, link trans membrane and cytoplasmic proteins, anchor centrosomes during mitosis, generate locomotion in cells and interact with myosin to provide the force of muscular contraction

Intermediate filaments:

Cytoplasmic fibres averaging 10 nm in diameter. There are several kinds every constructed from one or more protein (e.g. keratins, nuclear lamins, neurofilaments, valentines) [8]. All types of intermediate filaments provide a supporting framework within the cell

Microtubules:

Straight, hole cylinders averaging 25 nm in diameter, built of α-tubulin and β-tubulin dimers. They take part in a wide form of cellular sports with maximum related to motion. Motion is provided by protein 'motors' that use the energy of ATP hydrolysis to move alongside the microtubule

Microfilaments

Microfilaments, also known as actin filaments, are composed of linear polymers of G-actin proteins, and generate pressure when the growing (plus) stop of the filament pushes in opposition to a barrier [9], such as the cell membrane. They also act as tracks for the motion of myosin molecules that affix to the microfilament and "walk" along them. In general, the major element or protein of microfilaments is actin. The G-actin monomer combines to shape a polymer which keeps forming the microfilament (actin filament). These subunits then assemble into chains that intertwine into what are called F-actin chains [10]. Myosin motoring along F-actin filaments generates contractile forces in so-called actomyosin fibres, each in muscle in addition to maximum non-muscle cell kinds. Actin systems are managed by the Rho family of small GTP-binding proteins including Rho itself for contractile actomyosin filaments ("pressure fibers"), Rac for lamellipodia and Cdc42 for filopodia. Functions include:

•  Muscle contraction
•  Cell movement
• Intracellular transport/trafficking
•  Maintenance of eukaryotic cell shape
•  Cytokinesis
•  Cytoplasmic streaming

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