WASF1
WASP (MIM.301000), WASP-like (WASL) (MIM.605056), and WASF1 are among the downstream effector molecules involved in the transmission of signals from tyrosine kinase receptors and small GTPases to the actin cytoskeleton.
WASP-WAVE network
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) and WASP-family verprolin-homologous protein (WAVE) family proteins are scaffolds that link upstream signals to the activation of the ARP2/3 complex, leading to a burst of actin polymerization.
ARP2/3-complex-mediated actin polymerization is crucial for the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton at the cell cortex for processes such as cell movement, vesicular trafficking and pathogen infection.
Large families of membrane-binding proteins interact with WASP and WAVE family proteins, therefore providing a new layer of membrane-dependent regulation of actin polymerization.
See also
WASP-family members
Arp2/3
lamellipodia
WASFs
References
Takenawa T, Suetsugu S. The WASP-WAVE protein network: connecting the membrane to the cytoskeleton. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2007 Jan;8(1):37-48. PMID: #17183359#
Stradal TE, Rottner K, Disanza A, Confalonieri S, Innocenti M, Scita G. Regulation of actin dynamics by WASP and WAVE family proteins. Trends Cell Biol. 2004 Jun;14(6):303-11. PMID: #15183187#
Snapper SB, Rosen FS. A family of WASPs. N Engl J Med. 2003 Jan 23;348(4):350-1. PMID: #12540651#
Snapper SB, Rosen FS: The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP): roles in signaling and cytoskeletal organization. Annu Rev Immunol 17:905, 1999.