Actin directly interacts with different membrane channel proteins and influences channel activities: AQP2 as a model

The interplay between actin and 10 membrane channel proteins that have been shown to directly bind to actin are reviewed. The 10 membrane channel proteins covered in this review are aquaporin 2 (AQP2), cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), ClC2, short form of ClC3 (sClC3), chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1), chloride intracellular channel 5 (CLIC5), epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (Maxi-K), transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), and voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), with particular attention to AQP2. In regard to AQP2, most reciprocal interactions between actin and AQP2 occur during intracellular trafficking, which are largely mediated through indirect binding. Actin and the actin cytoskeleton work as cables, barriers, stabilizers, and force generators for motility. However, as with ENaC, the effects of actin cytoskeleton on channel gating should be investigated further. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Reciprocal influences between cell cytoskeleton and membrane channels, receptors and transporters. Guest Editor: Jean Claude Hervé.