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Related Concept Videos

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures01:32

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures

Complex microtubule structures are present in resting cells and in dividing cells. In resting cells, they are responsible for maintaining the cellular architecture, tracks for intracellular transport, positioning of organelles, assembly of cilia and flagella. They mediate the bipolar spindle assembly for chromosomal segregation and positioning of the cell division plate in dividing cells. The formation of microtubule complex structures depends on the cell type, cell stage, and cell function.
The Movement of Organelles and Vesicles01:43

The Movement of Organelles and Vesicles

In eukaryotic cells,  cytoskeletal filaments such as actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments form a mesh-like cytoskeletal network. These filaments serve as tracks for transporting cellular cargo. Specialized motor proteins use the chemical energy stored in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for this transport. During interphase, microtubules are polarized, with the plus-end towards the cell periphery and the minus-end towards the cell center. Two microtubule-associated motor proteins,...
Microtubule Associated Motor Proteins01:32

Microtubule Associated Motor Proteins

Eukaryotic cells have different motor proteins for transporting various cargo within the cell. These motor proteins differ based on the filament they associate with, the direction they move within the cell, and the type of cargo they transport. Motor proteins that associate with microtubules are known as microtubule-associated motor proteins. There are two families of microtubule-associated motor proteins —Kinesins and Dyneins. Both these proteins assist in the transport of cellular cargos...
Spindle Assembly02:50

Spindle Assembly

Spindle assembly occurs through three, often coexisting, pathways – the centrosome-mediated pathway, the chromatin-mediated pathway, and the microtubule-mediated pathway – collectively contributing to form a robust spindle apparatus.
In most cells, centrosomes are the primary microtubule nucleation centers. In the centrosome-mediated pathway, the G2-prophase transition triggers centrosome maturation and increased microtubule nucleation. Progressive nucleation results in a microtubule array...
Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:18

Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments

Cytoskeletal filaments are polymeric forms of smaller protein subunits. However, individual cytoskeletal filaments may easily disassemble or associate with other similar filaments to form rigid structures. Microfilaments, made of actin monomers, rely on actin-binding proteins to form bundles and create networks of individual actin filaments. Microtubules rely on microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) to form sturdy cylindrical structures. However, the proteins involved in forming complex...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Production of Dynein and Kinesin Motor Ensembles on DNA Origami Nanostructures for Single Molecule Observation
08:09

Production of Dynein and Kinesin Motor Ensembles on DNA Origami Nanostructures for Single Molecule Observation

Published on: October 15, 2019

Molecular motors and synaptic assembly.

Qian Cai1, Zu-Hang Sheng

  • 1Synaptic Function Section, The Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

The Neuroscientist : a Review Journal Bringing Neurobiology, Neurology and Psychiatry
|February 17, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Motor proteins transport essential components for synapse formation and function. Understanding these transport mechanisms is key to synaptic development and plasticity.

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Last Updated: Jun 25, 2026

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Published on: October 15, 2019

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Synaptic function relies on precise transport and assembly of molecular components.
  • Neurons require efficient transport systems to deliver proteins and organelles over long distances for synapse formation and maintenance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding motor proteins involved in synaptic component transport.
  • To discuss the mechanisms of motor-receptor-cargo complex formation crucial for synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on microtubule- and actin-based motor proteins.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying motor-protein-cargo interactions.

Main Results:

  • Characterization of motor proteins responsible for delivering synaptic components.
  • Identification of adaptor proteins mediating specific motor-cargo interactions.
  • Insights into the role of these complexes in synaptic development and plasticity.

Conclusions:

  • Motor protein-mediated transport is critical for proper synapse assembly and function.
  • Specific motor-receptor-cargo interactions ensure accurate delivery of synaptic components.
  • This process is vital for both developing and mature neuronal synapses.