Key result
Cross-linked Arp2/3 complex in the short-pitch conformation bypasses the need for WASP in activation and is more active than WASP-activated Arp2/3 complex.
The study reveals that WASP activates the Arp2/3 complex primarily by stimulating a short-pitch conformational change, displacing the autoinhibitory Arp3 C-terminal tail.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Short-pitch Arp2/3 cross-linking enables WASP-independent activation; leaves open relevance to human cardiovascular actin dynamics.
Rodnick-Smith et al. (2016) studied this question. Engineered covalent cross-link of Arp2/3 complex vs. WASP-activated Arp2/3 complex was evaluated on Nucleation of branched actin filaments. Cross-linked Arp2/3 complex in the short-pitch conformation bypasses the need for WASP in activation and is more active than WASP-activated Arp2/3 complex.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: