Micropattern-controlled local microtubule nucleation, transport, and mesoscale organization

Microtubule organization in living cells is determined by spatial control of microtubule nucleation, their dynamic properties, and transport by molecular motors. Here, we establish a new micropattern-guided method for controlling local microtubule nucleation by spatially confined immobilization of a microtubule polymerase and show that these nucleated microtubules can be transported and organized in space by motor proteins. This assay provides a new platform for deciphering the principles underlying mesoscale microtubule organization.