Scandium, Interactions with Actin

Definition

This entry refers to the features of actin and its interactions with scandium. Actin, a globular, roughly 42-kDa protein, is the component of the cytoskeletal system that allows movement of cells and cellular processes. It is the most abundant protein in the typical eukaryotic cells where it may be present at concentrations of over 100 μM. It is also one of the most highly conserved proteins, differing by no more than 20% in species as diverse as algae and humans. In vertebrates, three main groups of actin isoforms, alpha, beta, and gamma have been identified.

The elements from Ce³⁺ to Ho³⁺ have the ability to induce the formation of actin tubes and microcrystals, whereas La³⁺ and the heaviest ions, Er³⁺ to Lu³⁺, do not. The previous work suggested that actin tubes are induced by trivalent cations, principally on the basis of their binding stoichiometry, which in turn is determined by ionic radius. Sc³⁺is not able to induce crystalline actin tubes but form amorphous...