Actin filament polymerization involves exchange of subunits of filamen
t ends, which can be controlled in vitro and in vivo by other proteins
that bind actin filaments and inhibit subunit addition or loss at the
ends. Proteins that bind to the barbed end, including capping protein
, the gelsolin super-family, tensin, and profilin are discussed, as ar
e proteins that bind to the pointed end, including tropomodulin and sp
ectrin/band 4.1. Some proteins that bind along the sides of filaments
and influence assembly at ends are also discussed. Functional roles in
vivo are emphasized.