Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

08:57
Myosin-Specific Adaptations of In vitro Fluorescence Microscopy-Based Motility Assays
Published on: February 4, 2021
Myoseverin, a microtubule-binding molecule with novel cellular effects
G R Rosania1, Y T Chang, O Perez
1The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd., San Diego, CA 92037, USA.
Nature Biotechnology
|March 4, 2000
Summary
A novel compound, myoseverin, triggers cell division in muscle cells, promoting DNA synthesis and proliferation. This discovery offers new avenues for understanding tissue regeneration and wound healing processes.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Muscle cell differentiation involves the formation of multinucleated myotubes.
- Understanding regulators of myotube structure and function is crucial for muscle regeneration research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel molecules that modulate myotube morphology.
- To investigate the effects of myoseverin on myotube structure, DNA synthesis, and gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Screening of a 2,6,9-trisubstituted purine library.
- Induction of myotube fission using myoseverin.
- Analysis of DNA synthesis and cell proliferation.
- Transcriptional profiling and biochemical assays.
Main Results:
- Myoseverin, a microtubule-binding molecule, was identified.
- Myoseverin induces reversible fission of multinucleated myotubes into mononucleated fragments.
- Myotube fission promotes DNA synthesis and cell proliferation upon compound removal.
- Myoseverin alters gene expression related to growth factors, immunomodulation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and stress response, suggesting activation of wound healing pathways.
Conclusions:
- Myoseverin is a potent inducer of myotube fission, leading to subsequent cell proliferation.
- The compound's effects are consistent with the activation of pathways involved in tissue regeneration.
- Myoseverin provides a novel tool for studying cell division and muscle regeneration.
Related Concept Videos
Destabilization of Microtubules
The destabilization of microtubules can occur during different stages of the microtubule lifecycle, such as nucleation or elongation. It can take place at either end of the microtubule or in the microtubule lattices as a whole. The lifespan of individual microtubules within a cell varies according to the cell type and stage of the cell cycle. During interphase, the lifespan of the microtubule is about 30 minutes, while during cell division, it is about 15 minutes. In axonal microtubules of...
Microtubules in Cell Motility
Microtubules are thick hollow cylindrical proteins that help form the cytoskeleton. Microtubules have varied roles in the cell. These filaments help form cellular appendages like cilia and flagella, which are responsible for locomotion. The cilia arise from basal bodies, separated from the main body by a membrane-like structure forming the transition zone. This zone is the gate for the entry of lipids and proteins, creating a unique composition of lipids and proteins in the ciliary membrane and...
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility
Actin is a family of globular proteins that are highly abundant in eukaryotic cells. It makes up approximately 1-5% of total cell protein concentration. Actin monomers polymerize to form a complex network of polarized filaments, the actin cytoskeleton, that plays a crucial role in many cellular processes, including cell motility, division, endocytosis, and metastasis of cancer cells.
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate.
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate.
Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules
Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...
Microtubules in Cell Motility
Microtubules are thick hollow cylindrical proteins that help form the cytoskeleton. Microtubules have varied roles in the cell. These filaments help form cellular appendages like cilia and flagella, which are responsible for locomotion. The cilia arise from basal bodies, separated from the main body by a membrane-like structure forming the transition zone. This zone is the gate for the entry of lipids and proteins, creating a unique composition of lipids and proteins in the ciliary membrane and...

