Role of cytoskeletal organization in the regulation of adenylate cyclase-cyclic adenosine monophosphate by hormones.

Microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments were found to be associated with the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane and even localized on the cell surface following "perturbation" of the plasma membrane. Several hormones interacting with their surface receptors have an effect on the assembly, organization, and orientation of the cytoskeletal system thus inducing changes in cell morphology, motility and aggregation. The cytoskeletal system is probably responsible for the lateral and vertical mobility of plasma membrane receptors and for the efficient coupling of GTP-binding protein to the adenylate cyclase moiety. It is suggested that the cytoskeletal system may be involved in hormone-induced desensitization. The activity of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase and protein kinase is modulated by Ca2+-calmodulin. These enzymes are associated with intermediate filaments and with microtubules which may control their activity and induce nuclear translocation of protein kinase. Stimulation of steroidogenesis by ACTH and LH, enhancement of H2O transport by vasopressin, elevation of the rate of amino acid and glucose transport by insulin, release of pancreatic insulin by glucose, and pituitary hormones by their respective hypothalamic releasing hormones, are only examples of a variety of hormonal responses that may be regulated by the cytoskeletal system. It is obvious that much more experimental study should be done to establish the role of the cytoskeletal system in hormonal action. I do hope this review will stimulate further ideas and experiments which might eventually lead to a better understanding of the role of the cytoskeletal system in the control of adenylate cyclase-cAMP system stimulated by hormones.