Abstract

Cytoskeletal proteins play a pivotal role in maintaining cellular structure, facilitating intracellular transport, and orchestrating various cellular processes. This abstract provides an overview of the current understanding of cytoskeletal proteins, highlighting their diverse functions, structural intricacies, and significance in cellular physiology. The cytoskeleton, a dynamic and intricate network of proteins within the cell, comprises three main components: microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. Each component is involved in unique cellular functions, such as providing mechanical support, enabling cell motility, and participating in intracellular signaling. The regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics is tightly controlled, involving a complex interplay of proteins that modulate polymerization, depolymerization, and cross-linking. This review delves into the structural features of key cytoskeletal proteins, emphasizing their modular organization and conformational flexibility. The discussion extends to the molecular mechanisms governing cytoskeletal dynamics, including the involvement of motor proteins in intracellular transport and the regulation of cell division and migration. Furthermore, the abstract explores the implications of cytoskeletal dysfunction in various pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancer metastasis, and genetic disorders. Understanding the molecular basis of these diseases provides valuable insights for developing targeted therapeutic strategies.