Cytoskeletal proteins play a crucial role on determining cell shape. Damage to these proteins interferes membrane integrity and functions. Among cytoskeletal proteins, most of studies of membrane blebbing have focused on the role of actin and actin binding proteins. Actin polymerization (F actin level) and thiol-related abnormal actin polymerization are correlated well with bleb formation. Extensive blebs are observed in tumor cells lacking actin binding protein. Cleavage of two actin binding proteins, talin and α-actinini, by calpain is coexisted with tert-butyl hydroperoxdie-induced blebbing Recently, bleb formation in cholecystokinin-suprastimulated pancreatic acinar cells has been demonstrated to require the reorganization of actin and myosin cytoskeletons.
