Biochemical controls: two forms of Actin act differently (Introduction)

by David Turell , Friday, December 22, 2023, 19:41 (127 days ago) @ David Turell

Just a tiny change in amino acid sequence is the cause:

https://phys.org/news/2023-12-big-impacts-small-reveals-filament.html

"Tiny things matter—for instance, one amino acid can completely alter the architecture of the cell. Researchers at the Universities of Göttingen and Warwick investigated the structure and mechanics of the main component of the cell's cytoskeleton: a protein known as actin. Actin is found in all living cells, with a range of important functions—from muscle contraction to cell signaling and shape. (my bold)

"This protein comes in two varieties termed "isoforms," known as gamma-actin and beta-actin. The difference between the two proteins is minuscule; only a few amino acids at just one part of the molecule vary. Yet this small change has a big impact on the cell. In nature, normally, only mixtures of the two isoforms are found. In their study, the researchers separated out the two isoforms and analyzed them individually. (my bold)

"The researchers studied the behavior of networks of filaments, particularly focusing on the unique properties of the individual isoforms. They employed specialized techniques allowing them to assess the mechanics and dynamics of research models of cytoskeletal networks, drawing on expertise in biophysics at Göttingen and bioengineering at Warwick.

"The results indicate that gamma-actin prefers to form rigid networks near the cell's apex, while beta-actin preferentially forms parallel bundles with a distinct organizational pattern. This difference is likely to be due to the stronger interaction of gamma-actin with specific types of positively charged ions, rendering its networks stiffer than those formed by beta-actin. (my bold)

"'Our findings are compelling because they open up new avenues for understanding the intricate dynamics of protein networks within cells," explains Professor Andreas Janshoff, Institute for Physical Chemistry, University of Göttingen.

"The research advances scientists' understanding of fundamental cellular processes by shedding light on specific biological functions of actin, and this will have particular relevance for processes involving cellular mechanics such as growth, division, and maturation of cells in tissue."

Comment: What we are finding is really looking into a big black box. We see the effects of slight amino acid sequence alteration on the actions of the entire molecule. We do not know how that result happens. What determines the required sequence? The authors note charged ions affecting the resulting process. We can certainly say bioelectrical and biomechanical processes are in play. We can also say teleologically this process shows purpose and precise designing. Not by chance.