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Related Concept Videos

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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...
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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...
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Microtubules are hollow cylindrical filaments having a diameter of approximately 25 nm and a length that varies from 200 nm to 25 μm. GTP-bound tubulin subunits form αβ-heterodimers for microtubule assembly. These core building blocks interact longitudinally, polymerizing into protofilaments. The protofilaments then interact with one another through lateral bonding forces to form stable cylindrical microtubules. These cylindrical filaments are dynamic as they undergo repeated...
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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...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

Excitotoxic Stimulation of Brain Microslices as an In vitro Model of Stroke
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Pressure-induced depolymerization of brain microtubules in vitro.

E D Salmon

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |September 12, 1975
    PubMed
    Summary

    High hydrostatic pressure, similar to cooling, reversibly depolymerizes brain microtubules. This pressure-induced microtubule depolymerization in vitro mirrors the behavior of mitotic spindle microtubules in vivo.

    Area of Science:

    • Cell Biology
    • Biophysics

    Background:

    • Microtubules are essential cytoskeletal components involved in cell division and intracellular transport.
    • Understanding the environmental factors affecting microtubule stability is crucial for cell biology research.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the effects of hydrostatic pressure and temperature on in vitro assembled rabbit brain microtubules.
    • To compare the pressure-induced depolymerization of microtubules in vitro with their behavior in vivo during mitosis.

    Main Methods:

    • In vitro assembly of microtubules from rabbit brain tubulin.
    • Exposure of microtubules to varying hydrostatic pressures (200-10,000 psi) and temperatures (0-37°C).
    • Measurement of microtubule depolymerization using turbidity, birefringence, and electron microscopy.

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    Quantitative Microtubule Fractionation Technique to Separate Stable Microtubules, Labile Microtubules, and Free Tubulin in Mouse Tissues
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    Main Results:

    • Increased hydrostatic pressure induced reversible depolymerization of microtubules.
    • The effect of pressure on microtubule stability was comparable to that of reduced temperature (cooling).
    • Electron microscopy confirmed pressure-induced reduction in microtubule number.

    Conclusions:

    • Hydrostatic pressure is a significant factor influencing microtubule dynamics.
    • The in vitro response of brain microtubules to pressure is analogous to the in vivo behavior of mitotic spindle microtubules.
    • These findings contribute to understanding microtubule stability under varying physiological and environmental conditions.