Convection-induced biased distribution of actin probes in live cells

Fluorescent markers that bind endogenous target proteins are frequently employed for quantitative live-cell imaging. To visualize the actin cytoskeleton in live cells, several actin-binding probes have been widely used. Among them, Lifeact is the most popular probe with ideal properties including fast exchangeable binding kinetics. Because of its fast kinetics, Lifeact is generally believed to distribute evenly throughout cellular actin structures. In this study, however, we demonstrate misdistribution of Lifeact toward the rear of lamellipodia where actin filaments continuously move inward along the retrograde flow.

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