Actin Related Protein 2/3 Complex, Subunit 3 (ARPC3) is a crucial component of the Arp2/3 complex, a seven-subunit protein complex that plays a significant role in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. The ARPC3 gene encodes one of these seven subunits and is highly conserved through evolution .
The Arp2/3 complex is composed of two actin-related proteins, ARP2 and ARP3, along with five additional subunits, including ARPC3. This complex is essential for actin polymerization, a process that is critical for various cellular functions such as cell motility, phagocytosis, and intracellular transport of vesicles .
The ARPC3 subunit, specifically, is involved in the formation of branched actin networks. It binds to the sides of existing actin filaments (referred to as “mother” filaments) and initiates the growth of new filaments (referred to as “daughter” filaments) at a distinctive 70-degree angle. This branching mechanism is vital for creating the dynamic and complex actin cytoskeleton structures necessary for cellular processes .
The Arp2/3 complex is activated by nucleation-promoting factors (NPFs), such as members of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) family. These NPFs interact with actin monomers and the Arp2/3 complex to create a nucleation core, which serves as the starting point for new actin filament growth. The ARPC3 subunit, along with the other components of the Arp2/3 complex, facilitates this process by binding to pre-existing filaments and promoting the polymerization of new actin filaments .
The regulation of actin polymerization by the Arp2/3 complex is crucial for various cellular activities. In the cytoplasm, the complex provides the force required for cell motility and other dynamic processes. Additionally, the Arp2/3 complex has been implicated in nuclear functions, such as gene transcription and DNA repair, by promoting actin polymerization within the nucleus .