Branched Actin Filaments

Branched actin filaments are essential components of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells that play a key role in many cellular processes such as cell division and migration. They are composed of two types of globular proteins, actin and actin-associated proteins, that form linear polymers that can branch into a three dimensional network. This structure supports force-generating processes, and its formation requires precise dynamic control and regulation. Branched actin filaments have many uses in cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology research, including cell adhesion, motility, organelle transport, cytokinesis and endocytosis.