FOCAL ADHESION ASSEMBLY

The GTP-binding protein Rho regulates the assembly of focal adhesions and their associated bundles of actin filaments. Two different lines o f research have converged to reveal how Rho might regulate assembly of these structures. One approach has been the identification of downstr eam effectors of Rho, whereas the other has been the exploration of th e role of contractility ist promoting assembly. It is now apparent tha t Rho is a key regulator of actomyosin-based contractility in nonmuscl e cells and that contractility, combined with adhesion to a rigid subs trate, leans to the formation of both stress fibres and focal adhesion s.