Structural polymorphism of the actin-espin system: A prototypical system of filaments and linkers in stereocilia

Kirstin R. Purdy*, James R. Bartles, Gerard C.L. Wong

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

We examine the interaction between cytoskeletal F-actin and espin 3A, a prototypical actin bundling protein found in sensory cell microvilli, including ear cell stereocilia. Espin induces twist distortions in F-actin as well as facilitates bundle formation. Mutations in one of the two F-actin binding sites of espin, which have been implicated in deafness, can tune espin-actin interactions and radically transform the system's phase behavior. These results are compared to recent theoretical work on the general phase behavior linker-rod systems.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number058105
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume98
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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