Actin is a ubiquitous protein present in high concentrations in virtually all cells. It's assembly and disassembly is modulated by more than 100 actin-binding proteins. These interactions are essential for a variety of important cellular processes including cell division, gene expression and motility. There are scattered reports in the published literature citing relationships between actin, actin-binding proteins and disease. This volume brings this information together for the first time, with a focus on human disorders. This volume is relevant to a wide readership including cell biologists interested in understanding how structural and functional changes in proteins impact on the organism as a whole. Additionally, clinicians will be interested because the book explains the role of cytoskeletal proteins in various diseases, including cancer and immune system disorders.
