Proteomic approaches to understanding the role of the cytoskeleton in host-defense mechanisms

Abstract

The cytoskeleton is a cellular scaffolding system whose functions include maintenance of cellular shape, enabling cellular migration, division, intracellular transport, signaling and membrane organization. In addition, in immune cells, the cytoskeleton is essential for phagocytosis. Following the advances in proteomics technology over the past two decades, cytoskeleton proteome analysis in resting and activated immune cells has emerged as a possible powerful approach to expand our understanding of cytoskeletal composition and function. However, so far there have only been a handful of studies of the cytoskeleton proteome in immune cells. This article considers promising proteomics strategies that could augment our understanding of the role of the cytoskeleton in host-defense mechanisms.

Keywords::

• actin
• cytoskeleton
• host defense
• immune cell
• immune response
• mass spectrometry
• microtubule
• protein
• proteomics
• purification strategies

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with financial interests in or financial conflicts with the subject matter or material discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.