Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Self-Assembly of Microtubule Tactoids
Published on: June 23, 2022
Using centrosome fragments in the directed assembly of microtubules
Wen Shang1, Donna E Crone, Hoichang Yang
1Rensselaer Nanotechnology Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180-3590, USA.
Abstract:
In animal cells, microtubules are organized by centrosomes, which are 1-2 microm diameter organelles. The generation of functional centrosome fragments in-vitro through ultrasonication is presented along with microtubule assembly directed by the patterned centrosome fragments. While centrosome fragments are smaller than the fully constituted centrosomes, their microtubule organization function is retained. The centrosome fragment templates offer greater flexibility and better coverage in both patterning and assembly of microtubules when compared with intact centrosomes. This work provides the rationale and potential for the large-area assembly of microtubules and should expand the application of centrosomes and centrosome components for the creation of microtubule-based nanoscale devices.
Related Concept Videos
Spindle Assembly
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...
Centrioles and Centrosomes
Near the end of the prophase, also called late prophase or "prometaphase,"...
Centrosome Duplication
To ensure that each daughter cell receives a centrosome after cell division, centrosome duplication...
Centrosome Duplication
To ensure that each daughter cell receives a centrosome after cell division, centrosome duplication...
Microtubule Formation
Destabilization of Microtubules

