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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
12:17
Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity
Published on: August 12, 2018
Microtubules: forgotten players in the apoptotic execution phase
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, School of Medical and Veterinary Sciences, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
Trends in Cell Biology
|June 13, 2006
Summary
During apoptosis (regulated cell death), the cytoskeleton undergoes significant changes. Microtubules, previously thought to be lost, actually reform to aid in fragment dispersal and prevent inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Apoptosis involves significant cellular rearrangements driven by the cytoskeleton.
- Cytoskeletal roles in apoptosis were historically attributed solely to actomyosin contractility.
- Microtubules and intermediate filaments were believed to be lost early in apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the multifaceted roles of the cytoskeleton during apoptosis.
- To challenge the established view of actin as the sole driver of apoptotic events.
- To highlight the re-emergence and function of microtubule networks in late-stage apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cytoskeletal dynamics during apoptosis.
- Analysis of recent findings on microtubule network reformation.
- Discussion of the functional implications of cytoskeletal rearrangements.
Main Results:
- Cytoskeleton plays crucial roles in cellular rearrangements during apoptosis.
- Microtubule networks are not lost but reform in later stages of apoptosis.
- Reformed microtubules assist in the dispersal of nuclear and cellular fragments.
Conclusions:
- Actomyosin contractility is not the sole driver of all major apoptotic events.
- Reformed microtubule networks are critical for efficient and non-inflammatory cell corpse removal.
- Understanding the complete cytoskeletal dynamics offers new insights into regulated cell death.
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