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91 How WASP-family proteins and the Arp2/3 complex convert intracellular signals into cytoskeletal structures R Dyche Mullins In most cells, the structure of the actin cytoskeleton is signaling pathways. At present, we can trace one pathway regulated by Rho-family G proteins. Recent work has outlined from activation of small Rho-family G-proteins to de novo a highly conserved signaling pathway from G protein activation nucleation and crosslinking of actin filaments (Figure 1). to actin assembly. The key downstream components are The following review outlines the work that has allowed WASP family proteins — adaptor molecules that bind multiple this pathway to be described and the molecular details of signaling and cytoskeletal proteins — and the Arp2/3 how G-protein activation is converted into actin assembly complex — a multi-functional protein complex that nucleates is then discussed. and crosslinks actin filaments. Rho-family G-proteins regulate actin assembly Addresses and organization Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of The Rho-family of small G-proteins includes Rho, Rac and California Medical School, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA; Cdc42. Activation of these proteins in vivo alters the struc- e-mail: dyche@itsa.ucsf.edu ture of the actin cytoskeleton. Microinjection of activated Current Opinion in Cell Biology 2000, 12:91–96 Rho induces the formation of actin st