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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...
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...
Studying the Cytoskeleton01:17

Studying the Cytoskeleton

The cytoskeletal architecture can be studied using different microscopic and biochemical techniques. Electron microscopy was instrumental in discovering the cytoskeletal architecture around the 1960s, which allowed obtaining structural information at a high-resolution level. However, the sample preparation procedure often limits this ability in biological samples. Several protocols have been developed over the years to optimize sample preparation. In one of the protocols known as rotary...
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...
Introduction to Cytoskeleton01:33

Introduction to 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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Imaging Intermediate Filaments and Microtubules with 2-dimensional Direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy
14:23

Imaging Intermediate Filaments and Microtubules with 2-dimensional Direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy

Published on: March 6, 2018

An expanded view of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton.

James B Moseley1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.

Molecular Biology of the Cell
|June 1, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Recent discoveries reveal new filamentous proteins, expanding our understanding of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton. This suggests a more complex cellular structure than previously known, prompting a reevaluation of its definition.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The eukaryotic cytoskeleton is traditionally defined by major polymer systems.
  • Ongoing research continually reveals new cellular components and functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the case for an expanded definition of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton.
  • To identify challenges for future research in this area.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on filamentous proteins.
  • Analysis of protein self-assembly properties.
  • Conceptual examination of cytoskeletal definitions.

Main Results:

  • Identification of additional proteins forming filamentous structures in cells.

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Design and Building of a Customizable, Single-Objective, Light-Sheet Fluorescence Microscope for the Visualization of Cytoskeleton Networks
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Design and Building of a Customizable, Single-Objective, Light-Sheet Fluorescence Microscope for the Visualization of Cytoskeleton Networks

Published on: January 26, 2024

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Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Imaging Intermediate Filaments and Microtubules with 2-dimensional Direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy
14:23

Imaging Intermediate Filaments and Microtubules with 2-dimensional Direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy

Published on: March 6, 2018

Design and Building of a Customizable, Single-Objective, Light-Sheet Fluorescence Microscope for the Visualization of Cytoskeleton Networks
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Design and Building of a Customizable, Single-Objective, Light-Sheet Fluorescence Microscope for the Visualization of Cytoskeleton Networks

Published on: January 26, 2024

  • Demonstration of self-assembly into linear polymers for these novel proteins.
  • Evidence supporting a more complex eukaryotic cytoskeleton.

    • Conclusions:

    • The eukaryotic cytoskeleton comprises more polymeric systems than previously recognized.
    • Future research should address the functional integration and structural roles of these newly identified components.