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Related Concept Videos

Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration01:32

Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration

A migrating cell changes its shape during the cyclic events of attachment and detachment from the substratum and repositions the cell organelles correspondingly. These complex events are orchestrated by the dynamic cytoskeletal network comprising actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Cytoskeletal crosstalk — the direct and indirect communication between the different components — is crucial for this coordination. Direct communication involves various linker proteins that...
Introduction to the Cytoskeleton01:33

Introduction to the Cytoskeleton

Overview of the Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments present within the cell, having three distinct filaments ̶   microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. Each has characteristic features that distinguish them, including the dynamics of their assembly and disassembly, mechanical properties, polarity, and the type of molecular motors associated with them. Earlier, they were thought to be present only in eukaryotic cells; however, their homologs were...
Studying the Cytoskeleton01:17

Studying the Cytoskeleton

The cytoskeletal architecture can be studied using different microscopic and biochemical techniques. Electron microscopy was instrumental in discovering the cytoskeletal architecture around the 1960s, which allowed obtaining structural information at a high-resolution level. However, the sample preparation procedure often limits this ability in biological samples. Several protocols have been developed over the years to optimize sample preparation. In one of the protocols known as rotary...
Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:12

Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments

The cytoskeleton is a complex dynamic structure performing varied functions based on cellular requirements. The adaptability of the individual filaments in the cytoskeleton determines their ability to perform various functions within the cell. It can undergo rapid reorganization during processes like cell division or remain stable for several hours as in the interphase. The adaptability of these filaments depends on stringent regulatory mechanisms. The microfilament and microtubules of the...
Polarity of the Cytoskeleton01:18

Polarity of the Cytoskeleton

The intrinsic polarity of cells can be primarily attributed to two factors- i) the asymmetric accumulation of mobile components such are regulatory molecules and subcellular components across the cell and ii) the orientation of polar cytoskeletal filaments that make up the cytoskeletal networks, specifically microfilaments, and microtubules arranged along the axis of polarity. Interactions between the cytoskeletal filaments are crucial for the establishment and maintenance of the polar nature...
Microtubule Instability02:17

Microtubule Instability

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 assembly and...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Quantifying Cytoskeleton Dynamics Using Differential Dynamic Microscopy
06:37

Quantifying Cytoskeleton Dynamics Using Differential Dynamic Microscopy

Published on: June 15, 2022

Strange dynamics of a dynamic cytoskeleton.

Trang T B Nguyen1, Jeffrey J Fredberg

  • 1Program in Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Room 1-313, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society
|December 21, 2007
PubMed
Summary

A novel physical perspective reveals airway smooth muscle

Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Cellular Biology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Asthma attacks involve excessive airway narrowing.
  • Deep inspiration, a potent bronchodilator, fails during asthma.
  • Airway smooth muscle (ASM) dysfunction contributes to asthma pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a novel physical perspective on ASM.
  • To explain the abrogation of deep inspiration's bronchodilatory effect during asthma.
  • To introduce ASM as a soft condensed matter phase.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated molecular interactions within the ASM cytoskeleton.
  • Applied principles of soft condensed matter physics.
  • Analyzed the physical properties of ASM beyond biochemical and mechanical roles.

More Related Videos

Reconstituting and Characterizing Actin-Microtubule Composites with Tunable Motor-Driven Dynamics and Mechanics
09:10

Reconstituting and Characterizing Actin-Microtubule Composites with Tunable Motor-Driven Dynamics and Mechanics

Published on: August 25, 2022

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Quantifying Cytoskeleton Dynamics Using Differential Dynamic Microscopy
06:37

Quantifying Cytoskeleton Dynamics Using Differential Dynamic Microscopy

Published on: June 15, 2022

Reconstituting and Characterizing Actin-Microtubule Composites with Tunable Motor-Driven Dynamics and Mechanics
09:10

Reconstituting and Characterizing Actin-Microtubule Composites with Tunable Motor-Driven Dynamics and Mechanics

Published on: August 25, 2022

Main Results:

  • ASM can be viewed as a soft condensed matter phase.
  • This physical perspective explains why deep inspiration fails during asthma.
  • Cytoskeletal glassy dynamics are implicated in bronchospasm.

Conclusions:

  • A physical viewpoint of ASM offers a new conceptual framework for asthma.
  • This approach may uncover novel pathways and mechanisms in respiratory diseases.
  • Understanding cytoskeletal glassy dynamics is crucial for respiratory research.