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Filopodia
Actin projections on the leading edge of lamellipodia of migrating cells / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Filopodia (sg.: filopodium) are slender cytoplasmic projections that extend beyond the leading edge of lamellipodia in migrating cells.[1] Within the lamellipodium, actin ribs are known as microspikes, and when they extend beyond the lamellipodia, they're known as filopodia.[2] They contain microfilaments (also called actin filaments) cross-linked into bundles by actin-bundling proteins,[3] such as fascin and fimbrin.[4] Filopodia form focal adhesions with the substratum, linking them to the cell surface.[5] Many types of migrating cells display filopodia, which are thought to be involved in both sensation of chemotropic cues, and resulting changes in directed locomotion.
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Activation of the Rho family of GTPases, particularly Cdc42 and their downstream intermediates, results in the polymerization of actin fibers by Ena/Vasp homology proteins.[6] Growth factors bind to receptor tyrosine kinases resulting in the polymerization of actin filaments, which, when cross-linked, make up the supporting cytoskeletal elements of filopodia. Rho activity also results in activation by phosphorylation of ezrin-moesin-radixin family proteins that link actin filaments to the filopodia membrane.[6]
Filopodia have roles in sensing, migration, neurite outgrowth, and cell-cell interaction.[1][further explanation needed] To close a wound in vertebrates, growth factors stimulate the formation of filopodia in fibroblasts to direct fibroblast migration and wound closure.[7] In macrophages, filopodia act as phagocytic tentacles, pulling bound objects towards the cell for phagocytosis.[8]