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Related Concept Videos

Introduction to the Cytoskeleton01:33

Introduction to the Cytoskeleton

Overview of the Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments present within the cell, having three distinct filaments ̶   microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. Each has characteristic features that distinguish them, including the dynamics of their assembly and disassembly, mechanical properties, polarity, and the type of molecular motors associated with them. Earlier, they were thought to be present only in eukaryotic cells; however, their homologs were...
Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:12

Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments

The cytoskeleton is a complex dynamic structure performing varied functions based on cellular requirements. The adaptability of the individual filaments in the cytoskeleton determines their ability to perform various functions within the cell. It can undergo rapid reorganization during processes like cell division or remain stable for several hours as in the interphase. The adaptability of these filaments depends on stringent regulatory mechanisms. The microfilament and microtubules of the...
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...
Cytoplasm01:24

Cytoplasm

The cytoplasm consists of organelles and a framework of protein scaffolds called the cytoskeleton suspended in an aqueous solution, the cytosol. The cytosol is a rich broth of water, ions, salts, and various organic molecules.
Protein Folding and Misfolding
The cytoplasm is the location for several cellular processes, including protein synthesis and folding. The aqueous nature of the cytosol promotes protein folding such that the hydrophobic amino acid side chains are buried in the protein...
Cytoplasm01:16

Cytoplasm

The cytoplasm consists of organelles and a framework of protein scaffolds called the cytoskeleton suspended in an aqueous solution, the cytosol. The cytosol is a rich broth of water, ions, salts, and various organic molecules.
Protein Folding and Misfolding
The cytoplasm is the location for several cellular processes, including protein synthesis and folding. The aqueous nature of the cytosol promotes protein folding such that the hydrophobic amino acid side chains are buried in the protein...
Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration01:32

Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration

A migrating cell changes its shape during the cyclic events of attachment and detachment from the substratum and repositions the cell organelles correspondingly. These complex events are orchestrated by the dynamic cytoskeletal network comprising actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Cytoskeletal crosstalk — the direct and indirect communication between the different components — is crucial for this coordination. Direct communication involves various linker proteins that...

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Updated: May 30, 2026

Reconstituting and Characterizing Actin-Microtubule Composites with Tunable Motor-Driven Dynamics and Mechanics
09:10

Reconstituting and Characterizing Actin-Microtubule Composites with Tunable Motor-Driven Dynamics and Mechanics

Published on: August 25, 2022

The evolution of the cytoskeleton.

Bill Wickstead1, Keith Gull

  • 1Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, England, UK. bill.wickstead@path.ox.ac.uk

The Journal of Cell Biology
|August 24, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The cytoskeleton, vital for cell structure and function, varies greatly between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Eukaryotic cytoskeletons evolved complex protein systems before the last common ancestor, influencing early cell evolution.

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Published on: November 20, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The cytoskeleton is a dynamic network of intracellular filaments essential for cellular processes.
  • Prokaryotic cytoskeletons exhibit compositional diversity, lacking universally conserved core proteins.
  • Eukaryotic cytoskeletons are characterized by complex accessory proteins and gene specialization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolutionary trajectory of cytoskeletal complexity.
  • To understand the constraints on prokaryotic lineages leading to eukaryogenesis.
  • To compare cytoskeletal protein conservation across life domains.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative genomics analysis of cytoskeletal protein families.
  • Phylogenetic reconstruction of protein evolution.
  • Bioinformatic analysis of protein distribution across prokaryotic and eukaryotic lineages.

Main Results:

  • Identified significant divergence in cytoskeletal protein composition between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
  • Demonstrated that much eukaryotic cytoskeletal complexity predates the last eukaryotic common ancestor.
  • Highlighted the plasticity of prokaryotic cytoskeletons versus the conserved complexity in eukaryotes.

Conclusions:

  • Eukaryotic cytoskeletal evolution involved extensive protein addition and specialization prior to the emergence of the last eukaryotic common ancestor.
  • The specific evolutionary path of cytoskeletal components likely influenced the prokaryotic ancestors that transitioned to eukaryotes.
  • Understanding cytoskeletal evolution provides insights into the fundamental processes of eukaryogenesis.