Regulation of Actin Cytoskeleton Dynamics in Migrating Cells

This chapter gives an overview of the biochemical and biomechanical factors that are involved in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and explores how coupling between these factors contribute to synchronized cell movement. Specifically, the generation of mechanical forces by polymerization and actin-myosin II interactions is reviewed, and the influence of such forces on actin structure dynamics during cell movement is discussed. Moreover, the contribution of actomyosin contractility to traction force generation is examined and correlated with actin network dynamics during cell movement.