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Reconciling the bizarre inheritance of microtubules in complex (euglenid) microeukaryotes
Naoji Yubuki1, Brian S Leander
1Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. yubuki@mail.ubc.ca
Protoplasma
|November 4, 2011
Summary
This study proposes a model for how euglenid surface microtubules are inherited during asexual reproduction. A novel pellicle microtubule organizing center (pMTOC) linked to the flagellar apparatus ensures microtubule continuity across generations.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Eukaryotic Microbiology
Background:
- Euglenids possess a complex pellicle composed of proteinaceous strips reinforced by microtubules.
- Asexual reproduction in euglenids involves semi-conservative inheritance of pellicle components.
- The physical linkage between pellicle microtubules and the flagellar apparatus presents a cytoskeletal inheritance challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a hypothetical model explaining the generation, integration, and inheritance of surface microtubules in euglenids.
- To address the cytoskeletal riddle of how microtubules maintain their association with the flagellar apparatus during cell division.
Main Methods:
- The study proposes a theoretical model based on existing knowledge of cytoskeletal semi-conservatism.
- Introduces two new inferences regarding microtubule organization and inheritance.
Main Results:
- A multigenerational pellicle microtubule organizing center (pMTOC) originates from the flagellar apparatus.
- This pMTOC encircles the flagellar pocket and supports pellicle microtubules.
- Nascent pellicle microtubules form distinct left/right constellations linked to dorsal basal bodies before cell division.
Conclusions:
- The proposed model integrates known cytoskeletal inheritance patterns with novel insights into microtubule organization.
- It provides a framework for understanding how euglenids maintain their complex pellicle structure and flagellar association across generations.
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