This volume provides an overview of the cytoskeleton particularly on the fundamental role the cytoskeleton plays in the regulation of cell structure and function. This book represents new trends in cytoskeletal research that go beyond the traditional approach of identifying new proteins in the cytoskeleton, but actually define how these proteins interact with signaling pathways. While the major emphasis in this volume remains on the microfilament structure, some discussion has been included in this volume to illustrate the similarities and differences between the three cytoskeletal elements namely the actin microfilament, the intermediate filaments and the microtubules.
