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Cytoplasmic Actin: Structure And Function, Justin Konig

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Cytoplasmic actin plays a crucial role in cellular structure, cell motility, intracellular transportation, and the cell cycle. Two isoforms of cytoplasmic actin have been identified, β and γ. Although their amino acid sequence is nearly identical, these two isoforms are encoded by different genes located on different chromosomes. Recent research has found that, despite their similarities, the two isoforms of cytoplasmic actin have distinct functions. This paper will review the structural and functional differences between the two isoforms, concluding with a discussion of some mutations that have been linked to disease.