Cell Ruffled edge

Proteins that cross-link actin filaments bind to their sides to produce bundles or three-dimensional networks (Otto, 1994). In microvilli, approximately 20 actin filaments of the core are cross-linked by villin (95 kD) and fimbrin (68 kD) in helical array to form a compact bundle (Figure 5). Filamin (2 x 250 kD) induces the formation of an actin network with gel formation. By immunofluorescence microscopy, this ABP is found in the ruffled, motile edge of cultured cells, where only actin filaments are abundant. 

Cell migration involves transient formation of membrane protmsions (lamellipodia, cell membrane ruffles) at the leading edge of the cell that are thought to require rapid local changes in ion fluxes and cell volume, probably accompanied by rapid transmembrane water movement (Condeelis 1993 Lauffenburger and Horwitz 1996). If transmembrane water movement is a fundamental determinant of cell motility, then a different water channel... 

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