Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
08:49
Self-Assembly of Microtubule Tactoids
Published on: June 23, 2022
Microtubule assembly, organization and dynamics in axons and dendrites
Cecilia Conde1, Alfredo Cáceres
1Laboratorio de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC-CONICET), Friuli 2434, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina.
Nature Reviews. Neuroscience
|April 21, 2009
Summary
Microtubules are key to neuronal polarity development. This review explores their assembly, organization, and dynamics in axons and dendrites, offering insights into neuronal development and plasticity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Neuronal polarity is crucial for nervous system function.
- Recent advances have illuminated the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal polarity.
- Microtubules play a more significant role than previously understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of microtubule regulation in neuronal polarity.
- To highlight the role of microtubule assembly, organization, and dynamics in axons and dendrites.
- To discuss the implications for neuronal development and plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on microtubule regulation.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms governing microtubule dynamics.
- Synthesis of findings related to microtubule function in neuronal development.
Main Results:
- Microtubules are identified as critical determinants of neuronal polarity.
- Specific regulatory mechanisms of microtubule assembly and dynamics in distinct neuronal compartments are detailed.
- Evidence suggests microtubules contribute to neuronal plasticity.
Conclusions:
- Microtubules are central players in establishing and maintaining neuronal polarity.
- Understanding microtubule regulation provides insights into neuronal development.
- Further research into microtubule dynamics may reveal new therapeutic targets for neurological disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:32Assembly 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.
01:23Microtubule Formation
Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo continuous assembly and disassembly. They originate from specialized multi-protein complexes known as microtubule organizing centers or MTOCs. Within the MTOC, the point of origin of the microtubule is known as the minus end, while the end radiating outward is the plus end. Microtubules serve two primary functions — the organization of spindle complexes to separate sister chromatids during mitotic or meiotic cell division and the formation of...
01:18Assembly 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...
01:35Microtubules
There are three types of cytoskeletal structures in eukaryotic cells—microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. With a diameter of about 25 nm, microtubules are the thickest of these fibers. Microtubules carry out a variety of functions that include cell structure and support, transport of organelles, cell motility (movement), and the separation of chromosomes during cell division.Microtubules are hollow tubes whose walls are made up of globular tubulin proteins. Each tubulin...
01:18Microtubules
Microtubules are the thickest cytoskeletal filaments with a diameter of 25 nm. In prokaryotic organisms, microtubules are commonly found in locomotory appendages like cilia and flagella. In eukaryotic cells, microtubules form specialized extensions for moving fluid over the surface, like those found in cells lining the intestine.
Microtubules have two structurally similar globular protein subunits: α and β tubulins. In the cytosol, the α and β tubulins form a heterodimer. These αβ-heterodimers...
Microtubules have two structurally similar globular protein subunits: α and β tubulins. In the cytosol, the α and β tubulins form a heterodimer. These αβ-heterodimers...
02:17Microtubule 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...