Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Using plusTipTracker Software to Measure Microtubule Dynamics in Xenopus laevis Growth Cones
07:32

Using plusTipTracker Software to Measure Microtubule Dynamics in Xenopus laevis Growth Cones

Published on: September 7, 2014

Minimal plus-end tracking unit of the cytoplasmic linker protein CLIP-170

Kamlesh K Gupta1, Benjamin A Paulson, Eric S Folker

  • 1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA.

The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|December 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Cytoplasmic linker protein 170 (CLIP-170) tracks microtubule plus ends. Its second CAP-Gly domain and adjacent region are essential for this plus-end tracking and tubulin polymerization.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cytoplasmic linker protein 170 (CLIP-170) is a key microtubule (MT) plus-end tracking protein (+TIP).
  • Understanding CLIP-170's mechanism of MT plus-end tracking is crucial for elucidating its regulatory roles in MT dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the minimal functional unit of CLIP-170 responsible for MT plus-end tracking.
  • To investigate the in vitro tubulin polymerization activity of CLIP-170 fragments.

Main Methods:

  • Generated and analyzed various fragments of CLIP-170, focusing on its two CAP-Gly domains and adjacent serine-rich regions.
  • Characterized the in vivo MT plus-end tracking behavior of these fragments.
  • Assessed the in vitro tubulin polymerization activity of the fragments.

Main Results:

  • The two CAP-Gly domains of CLIP-170 exhibit distinct activities.
  • CLIP-170's second CAP-Gly domain, along with its adjacent serine-rich region, is sufficient for MT plus-end tracking in vivo.
  • This specific CLIP-170 fragment also demonstrated the ability to induce tubulin polymerization in vitro.
  • Neither CAP-Gly domain requires dimerization for its plus-end tracking or polymerization-promoting functions.

Conclusions:

  • The minimal unit for CLIP-170 plus-end tracking and tubulin polymerization activity resides in the second CAP-Gly domain and its adjacent region.
  • CLIP-170's functional domains do not necessitate dimerization for activity.
  • These findings provide critical insights into the molecular mechanism and function of CLIP-170 in regulating microtubule dynamics.

More Related Videos

Preparation of Segmented Microtubules to Study Motions Driven by the Disassembling Microtubule Ends12:20

Preparation of Segmented Microtubules to Study Motions Driven by the Disassembling Microtubule Ends

Published on: March 15, 2014

Simultaneous Interference Reflection and Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy for Imaging Dynamic Microtubules and Associated Proteins06:43

Simultaneous Interference Reflection and Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy for Imaging Dynamic Microtubules and Associated Proteins

Published on: May 3, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Anaphase A and B01:39

Anaphase A and B

Microtubules form through the end-to-end polymerization of tubulin heterodimers. Kinetochore microtubules originate from the spindle poles, and their plus-ends connect with the kinetochores on sister-chromatids. Ndc80 protein complexes, present on the kinetochore, form low-affinity links with the plus end of these kinetochore microtubules.
Plus-end depolymerization releases tubulin heterodimers from the terminal region of the microtubule. As tubulin subunits are lost, the Ndc80 complexes detach...
Cytoskeletal Linker Proteins - Plakins01:09

Cytoskeletal Linker Proteins - Plakins

Plakins are large proteins with binding domains for microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and membrane-associated protein complexes at cell junctions. Plakin functions are evolutionarily conserved and are primarily involved in organizing the different components of the cytoskeleton by crosslinking them to each other and connecting them to the cell-matrix and cell adhesion complexes. They are also known to interact with signal transducers, serve as scaffolds for signaling...
Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs)01:42

Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs)

Microtubule function and architecture are regulated by an array of specialized proteins called microtubule-associated proteins or MAPs. These proteins are widespread across different organisms and have conserved protein motifs, like the multi-TOG domain for tubulin binding found in the CLASP family of MAPs. Some MAPs are lineage-specific based on their conserved domains. Their functions depend upon the cytoskeletal architecture and cell type they are located within. In-plant cells, a specific...
Cotranslational Protein Translocation01:20

Cotranslational Protein Translocation

Translocation of proteins across membranes is an ancient process that occurs even in bacteria and archaebacteria. In fact, the components of the translocation machinery are still conserved between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Sec61 channel partners for cotranslational translocation
During cotranslational translocation, the Sec61 channel partners with the signal recognition particle (SRP), the signal recognition particle receptor (SR), and the ribosomes to transport the nascent polypeptide chain...
Attachment of Sister Chromatids02:57

Attachment of Sister Chromatids

As cells progress into mitosis, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the condensed chromosomes are exposed to the array of bipolar microtubules of the mitotic spindle. The kinetochore, a large, disc-shaped protein complex, is present at the centromere region of the sister chromatids and acts as a binding site for the microtubules.  Usually, the plus-end of a single microtubule is embedded within the kinetochore. However, some kinetochores first establish lateral contact with the side-wall of a...
Mechanism of Filopodia Formation01:39

Mechanism of Filopodia Formation

Filopodia are thin, actin-rich cellular protrusions that play an important role in many fundamental cellular functions. They vary in their occurrence, length, and positioning in different cell types, suggesting their diverse roles.
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...