The Cytoplasmic Actins in the Regulation of Endothelial Cell Function

The primary function of the endothelial cells (EC) lining the inner surface of all vessels is to regulate permeability of vascular walls and to control exchange between circulating blood and tissue fluids of organs. The EC actin cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in maintaining endothelial barrier function. Actin cytoskeleton reorganization result in EC contraction and provides a structural basis for the increase in vascular permeability, which is typical for many diseases. Actin cytoskeleton in non-muscle cells presented two actin isoforms: non-muscle beta-cytoplasmic and gamma-cytoplasmic actins (beta-actins and gamma-actins), which are encoded by ACTB and ACTG1 genes, respectively. They are ubiquitously expressed in the different cells in vivo and in vitro and the beta/gamma-actin ratio depends on the cell type. Both cytoplasmic actins are essential for cell survival, but they perform various functions in the interphase and cell division and play different roles in neoplastic transformation. In this review, we briefly summarize the research results of recent years and consider the features of the cytoplasmic actins: The spatial organization in close connection with their functional activity in different cell types by focusing on endothelial cells.

Automated summary

Endothelial cells (EC) line the inner surface of vessels and regulate vascular permeability, with their actin cytoskeleton crucial for maintaining endothelial barrier function. Non-muscle cells express two actin isoforms, beta and gamma, which have different roles in cell survival, cell division, and neoplastic transformation depending on the cell type. The spatial organization of cytoplasmic actins in different cell types, particularly in endothelial cells, is closely linked to their functional activity.