Cryo-EM structures of actin binding proteins as tool for drug discovery

Editorial: Evolution, emerging functions and structure of actin‐binding proteins, Volume II

“…Therefore, a not-so-uncommon opinion that the actin cytoskeleton is well understood is far from being accurate, as new functionalities of ABPs (e.g., processive pointed end actin polymerization; Kudryashova et al, 2022) are discovered regularly, while most are not sufficiently understood.Similarly, the therapeutic potential of ABPs has been barely tapped. In recent years, many ABPs have been considered as promising therapeutic targets in various diseases, such as cancer and asthma (Yin et al, 2019;Dahlstroem et al, 2023). For example, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) and WASP-interacting protein are tumor suppressors in T cell lymphoma; therefore, corresponding inhibitors could have a potent therapeutic effect (Menotti et al, 2019).…”

“…Similarly, the therapeutic potential of ABPs has been barely tapped. In recent years, many ABPs have been considered as promising therapeutic targets in various diseases, such as cancer and asthma (Yin et al, 2019;Dahlstroem et al, 2023). For example, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) and WASP-interacting protein are tumor suppressors in T cell lymphoma; therefore, corresponding inhibitors could have a potent therapeutic effect (Menotti et al, 2019).…”