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Figure from Pizarro-Cerda et al. Gram Positive Pahogens, 2006

Model of actin polymerization by L. monocytogenes in host cells. The bacterial protein ActA recruits the host cell molecule VASP, which in turn recruits profilin to the bacterial tail; actin monomers are captured by profilin and are transferred to the Arp2/3 complex, which nucleates the polymerization of host actin leading to the formation of actin comet tails. Capping protein inhibits the polymerization of actin on barbed ends, cofilin promotes the depolymerization of actin from pointed ends, and a-actinin stabilizes actin polymers.