Get to grips: Steering local actin dynamics with IQGAPs

Abstract

IQGAPs are actin-binding proteins that scaffold numerous interaction partners, transmitting extracellular signals that influence mitogenic, morphological and migratory cell behaviour. However, the precise mechanisms by which IQGAP proteins influence actin dynamics and actin filament structures have been elusive. Now that IQGAP1 has emerged as a potential key regulator of actin-cytoskeletal dynamics by recruiting both the actin related protein (Arp)2/3 complex and/or formin-dependent actin polymerizing machineries, we propose that IQGAP1 might coordinate the function of mechanistically different actin nucleators for cooperative localized actin filament production in various cellular processes.