Actin

Primitive microbes have cytoskeletal proteins that are structurally and functionally similar to those found in humans

Rings of filamentous protein zip together to seal the embryo, creating watertight junctions between adjacent cells

Proteins that move DNA around in a bacterium are surprisingly similar to those in our own cells

Genetic comparisons provide insight into the evolution of a crucial filament protein in animals, plants and bacteria

A protein structure that went unsolved for 20 years has revealed how cells regulate their skeletons