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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

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

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Published on: March 15, 2014

Tubulin depolymerization may be an ancient biological motor.

J Richard McIntosh¹, Vladimir Volkov, Fazly I Ataullakhanov

¹Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA. richard.mcintosh@colorado.edu

Journal of Cell Science

|October 9, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Microtubule depolymerization can generate forces for chromosome movement during cell division. This mechanism, observed in yeasts and bacteria, may reveal evolutionary links in cellular mechanics.

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Purification of Tubulin with Controlled Posttranslational Modifications and Isotypes from Limited Sources by Polymerization-Depolymerization Cycles

Purification of Tubulin with Controlled Posttranslational Modifications and Isotypes from Limited Sources by Polymerization-Depolymerization Cycles

Published on: November 5, 2020

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Biophysics
Evolutionary Biology

Background:

Mitotic chromosome movements are complex and species-specific.
Microtubule-dependent motors are crucial for spindle formation and chromosome segregation.
Poleward chromosome movements in yeasts can occur without motors, suggesting alternative force generation.

Purpose of the Study:

Review evidence for microtubule depolymerization as a force-generating mechanism in mitosis.
Highlight force generation mechanisms and coupling strategies.
Explore phylogenetic links between eukaryotic tubulin and bacterial FtsZ.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on microtubule dynamics and force generation.
Analysis of in vitro experiments with kinetochore-associated proteins and microspheres.
Comparative analysis of tubulin and FtsZ filament mechanics.

Main Results:

Depolymerizing spindle microtubules can generate forces for poleward chromosome movement in vivo.
Outward-flaring tubulin protofilaments during microtubule shortening can move attached objects.
Kinetochore-associated proteins can couple experimental objects to shortening microtubules.
Mechanical similarities exist between tubulin depolymerization and FtsZ ring contraction.

Conclusions:

Microtubule depolymerization is a significant force generator in eukaryotic mitosis.
The FtsZ system in bacteria shares mechanical principles with tubulin depolymerization.
These similarities suggest a deep evolutionary relationship between these cellular processes.