ABSTRACT
The cytoskeleton provides architecture to a cell and, equally important, transmits signals from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. This signaling is important for the cell’s ability to respond to environmental changes. For those cells present in tissues or organs, the cytoskeleton responds to stimuli from the extracellular matrix or to changes in cell-cell contact. Signaling is bidirectional in that information from the matrix, adjacent cells or the cytoplasm can be delivered to the nucleus, and signals from the nucleus can be transmitted back to the cytoplasm, matrix or neighboring cells. The cytoskeleton plays an important role in scaffolding signaling proteins to allow for cell shape alteration and other responses to environmental cues.
