ScienceSeptember 6, 2026
actin
AK-tin
Definition
A protein that forms microfilaments in cells, playing a crucial role in maintaining cell shape, enabling movement, and supporting structural integrity.
Etymology
The term was coined in the mid-20th century, derived from 'active' plus the chemical suffix '-in,' reflecting the protein's dynamic, motor-generating role in muscle contraction and cellular movement.
In the news
The article describes how the compound DATS causes the actin microfilament cytoskeleton within cancer cells to become disorganized, contributing to the mechanical failure and ultimate death of the cell during division.
Garlic compound blocks key signal, triggering gastric cancer cell death
Read the full article ↗Bioengineer.org