Redox Regulation of Cytoskeletal Dynamics

The cytoskeleton is a dynamic network of linear and branched filaments within the cytosol of eukaryotic cells. Unlike the name suggests, these structures-most of all actin bundles and microtubules-are highly dynamic. They contribute to the structure, shape, and organization of the cell, but they are also the basis for all types of movement and transport within the cell as well as of the cell as whole. By connecting to points of adhesion that join cells together, the filaments of the cytoskeleton contribute to the formation and structure of tissues and organs. The control of cytoskeletal dynamics is thus essential for differentiation as well as normal cell function. Dysregulation contributes to numerous disease conditions, for instance to the gain of motility and the spreading of cancer cells. In this chapter, we discuss the regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics through mechanisms of redox signalling, foremost through reversible post-translational modifications of cysteinyl and methionyl amino acid side chains, and its implications for development and disease conditions.