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Related Concept Videos

Destabilization of Microtubules01:45

Destabilization of Microtubules

The destabilization of microtubules can occur during different stages of the microtubule lifecycle, such as nucleation or elongation. It can take place at either end of the microtubule or in the microtubule lattices as a whole. The lifespan of individual microtubules within a cell varies according to the cell type and stage of the cell cycle. During interphase, the lifespan of the microtubule is about 30 minutes, while during cell division, it is about 15 minutes. In axonal microtubules of...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules01:10

Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Preparation of Segmented Microtubules to Study Motions Driven by the Disassembling Microtubule Ends
12:20

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

Published on: March 15, 2014

Microtubule-severing enzymes.

Antonina Roll-Mecak1, Francis J McNally

  • 1Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, NINDS Porter Neuroscience Research Center, Building 35, Room 3B-203, 35 Convent Drive, MSC 3701, Bethesda, MD 20892-3701, United States. Antonina@mail.nih.gov

Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|December 8, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Katanin, spastin, and fidgetin are microtubule-severing enzymes found across eukaryotes. This review covers their diverse functions and the biophysical mechanisms behind how they sever microtubules.

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Last Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Preparation of Segmented Microtubules to Study Motions Driven by the Disassembling Microtubule Ends
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Extracting Modified Microtubules from Mammalian Cells to Study Microtubule-Protein Complexes by Cryo-Electron Microscopy
08:02

Extracting Modified Microtubules from Mammalian Cells to Study Microtubule-Protein Complexes by Cryo-Electron Microscopy

Published on: March 3, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Microtubules are essential cytoskeletal components involved in cell division, intracellular transport, and cell structure.
  • Microtubule dynamics, including assembly and disassembly, are tightly regulated.
  • Enzymes capable of severing microtubules play critical roles in regulating microtubule networks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse in vivo functions of the katanin, spastin, and fidgetin protein family.
  • To summarize recent advances in understanding the biophysical mechanisms of microtubule severing by these enzymes.
  • To highlight the evolutionary distribution and importance of these microtubule-severing enzymes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on katanin, spastin, and fidgetin.
  • Analysis of research on the in vivo functions of these enzymes.
  • Synthesis of findings related to the biophysical mechanisms of microtubule severing.

Main Results:

  • Katanin, spastin, and fidgetin constitute a family of ATP-dependent microtubule-severing enzymes.
  • These enzymes are conserved across a wide range of eukaryotes, from single-celled organisms to humans.
  • Diverse cellular processes, including mitosis and neuronal development, are regulated by these proteins.
  • Significant progress has been made in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying their severing activity.

Conclusions:

  • The katanin, spastin, and fidgetin family plays fundamental roles in eukaryotic cell biology.
  • Understanding the biophysical mechanisms of microtubule severing is crucial for comprehending their diverse functions.
  • Further research into these enzymes will provide insights into cytoskeletal regulation and associated diseases.