What are filopodia?

Filopodia are finger-like cellular protrusions found throughout the metazoan kingdom and perform fundamental cellular functions during development and cell migration. Neurons exhibit a wide variety of extremely complex morphologies.

What is the first step in filopodium formation?

Actin nucleation iniates filopodium formation The first step in the formation of a filopodium is the nucleation of actin filaments from G-actin monomers. This is facilitated by various proteins known as nucleators, and may occur via the ‘tip nucleation model’ or the ‘convergent nucleation model’.

What is the role of filopodial dynamics in biomaterial nanotopography?

The role of filopodia in serving as sensors for cells to seek microenvironment and sites for adhesion and migration has been well documented [ 26 ]. Therefore, understanding filopodial dynamics on biomaterial nanotopography will be critical in analyzing the response of cells to topographical cues. Figure 8.4.

What is the function of filopodia in viruses?

Viruses were shown to be transported along filopodia toward the cell body, leading to cell infection. Directed transport of receptor-bound epidermal growth factor (EGF) along filopodia has also been described, supporting the proposed sensing function of filopodia.