Models for the length distributions of actin filaments: II. Polymerization and fragmentation by gelsolin acting together.

In a previous paper, we studied elementary models for polymerization, depolymerization, and fragmentation of actin filaments (Edelstein-Keshet and Ermentrout, 1988, Bull. Math. Biol. 60, 449-475). When these processes act together, more complicated dynamics occur. We concentrate on a particular case study, using the actin-fragmenting protein gelsolin. A set of biological parameter values (drawn from the experimental literature) is used in computer simulations of the kinetics of gelsolin-mediated actin filament fragmentation.