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Related Concept Videos

Microtubules01:35

Microtubules

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.
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...
Microtubules01:18

Microtubules

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...
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...
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.
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Simultaneous Visualization of the Dynamics of Crosslinked and Single Microtubules In Vitro by TIRF Microscopy
07:20

Simultaneous Visualization of the Dynamics of Crosslinked and Single Microtubules In Vitro by TIRF Microscopy

Published on: February 18, 2022

A MAP for bundling microtubules.

Claire E Walczak1, Sidney L Shaw

  • 1Medical Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA. cwalczak@indiana.edu

Cell
|August 10, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The protein PRC1 crosslinks microtubules to form bundles crucial for cell division. This process involves cooperation with kinesin motors, controlling bundle dynamics and size.

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Directly Measuring Forces Within Reconstituted Active Microtubule Bundles
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Directly Measuring Forces Within Reconstituted Active Microtubule Bundles

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Self-Assembly of Microtubule Tactoids

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Simultaneous Visualization of the Dynamics of Crosslinked and Single Microtubules In Vitro by TIRF Microscopy
07:20

Simultaneous Visualization of the Dynamics of Crosslinked and Single Microtubules In Vitro by TIRF Microscopy

Published on: February 18, 2022

Directly Measuring Forces Within Reconstituted Active Microtubule Bundles
07:47

Directly Measuring Forces Within Reconstituted Active Microtubule Bundles

Published on: May 10, 2022

Self-Assembly of Microtubule Tactoids
08:49

Self-Assembly of Microtubule Tactoids

Published on: June 23, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Microtubules are essential cytoskeletal components involved in cell division.
  • Microtubule bundling is critical for processes like anaphase and cytokinesis.
  • The MAP65 protein PRC1 is known to interact with microtubules.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the structural and functional mechanisms of PRC1 in microtubule bundling.
  • To understand how PRC1 cooperates with kinesin motors during cell division.
  • To investigate the control of microtubule bundle dynamics and size.

Main Methods:

  • Structural studies of PRC1-microtubule interactions.
  • Functional assays to assess microtubule dynamics.
  • In vitro reconstitution experiments with kinesin motors.

Main Results:

  • PRC1 acts as a crosslinker, stabilizing microtubule bundles.
  • PRC1 and kinesin motors work together to regulate bundle formation and turnover.
  • The interplay controls the size and stability of microtubule arrays.

Conclusions:

  • PRC1 is a key regulator of microtubule organization during cell division.
  • Coordinated action of PRC1 and motors ensures proper chromosome segregation and cell splitting.
  • Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into cell cycle progression.