Abstract

Actin, a key constituent of the cytoskeleton, plays essential roles in maintaining cellular structure and enabling dynamic processes such as cell motility. This article reviews the intricate dynamics of actin filaments from their assembly to their involvement in cellular functions. Actin filaments, composed of globular actin monomers (G-actin), polymerize into long filaments (F-actin) under the regulation of numerous actin-binding proteins (ABPs). These filaments form a structural framework crucial for cell shape maintenance and mechanical support, influencing cell adhesion and tissue organization. Actin dynamics also underpin cellular motility mechanisms, including cell migration and intracellular transport. The regulation of actin dynamics by signaling pathways and small GTPases ensures precise control over cytoskeletal rearrangements during processes such as cell division and differentiation. Dysregulation of actin dynamics contributes to various pathological conditions, highlighting the importance of understanding these processes for potential therapeutic interventions. This review synthesizes current knowledge on actin dynamics, emphasizing their fundamental role in cellular physiology and pathology. Actin, a fundamental component of the cytoskeleton, plays crucial roles in shaping cells and facilitating their movement. This article explores the dynamic nature of actin filaments and their diverse functions in cellular processes, from maintaining structural integrity to enabling motility.