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Revisiting the microtrabecular lattice

James S Clegg1

  • 1University of California, Davis, 94923, USA. jsclegg@ucdavis.edu

Cell Biology International
|October 14, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The microtrabecular lattice (MTL), once dismissed as an artifact, is proposed as a dynamic fundamental structure within eukaryotic cells. This reconsideration suggests MTL exists, but is more fluid than early electron microscopy images indicated.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Cytoskeletal Dynamics

Background:

  • The microtrabecular lattice (MTL) was initially described by Keith Porter in the 1970s-1980s.
  • MTL was largely disregarded by the scientific community as an artifact of electron microscopy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To re-evaluate the existence and nature of the microtrabecular lattice (MTL) in eukaryotic cells.
  • To propose MTL as a fundamental, dynamic cytoplasmic structure.

Main Methods:

  • Reconsideration of historical electron microscopy data.
  • Theoretical analysis of cytoplasmic organization.

Main Results:

  • The study argues for the potential existence of a structure akin to the MTL.
  • The proposed MTL is significantly more dynamic than previously depicted.

Conclusions:

  • The microtrabecular lattice (MTL) may represent a real, dynamic component of the eukaryotic cytoplasm.
  • Further research is needed to characterize the dynamic nature of MTL.

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