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Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration

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...

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures

Complex microtubule structures are present in resting cells and in dividing cells. In resting cells, they are responsible for maintaining the cellular architecture, tracks for intracellular transport, positioning of organelles, assembly of cilia and flagella. They mediate the bipolar spindle assembly for chromosomal segregation and positioning of the cell division plate in dividing cells. The formation of microtubule complex structures depends on the cell type, cell stage, and cell function.

Introduction to the Cytoskeleton

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...

Microtubule Formation

Microtubule Formation

Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo continuous assembly and disassembly. They originate from specialized multi-protein complexes known as microtubule organizing centers or MTOCs. Within the MTOC, the point of origin of the microtubule is known as the minus end, while the end radiating outward is the plus end. Microtubules serve two primary functions — the organization of spindle complexes to separate sister chromatids during mitotic or meiotic cell division and the formation of...

Microtubules in Cell Motility

Microtubules in Cell Motility

Microtubules are thick hollow cylindrical proteins that help form the cytoskeleton. Microtubules have varied roles in the cell. These filaments help form cellular appendages like cilia and flagella, which are responsible for locomotion. The cilia arise from basal bodies, separated from the main body by a membrane-like structure forming the transition zone. This zone is the gate for the entry of lipids and proteins, creating a unique composition of lipids and proteins in the ciliary membrane and...

Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

In Situ Visualization of Axon Growth and Growth Cone Dynamics in Acute Ex Vivo Embryonic Brain Slice Cultures

In Situ Visualization of Axon Growth and Growth Cone Dynamics in Acute Ex Vivo Embryonic Brain Slice Cultures

Published on: October 14, 2021

The cytoskeleton and neurite initiation.

Bioarchitecture

|September 5, 2013

Summary

This review explores how actin and microtubule cytoskeletons regulate neuronal development. Understanding these dynamics is key to neuritogenesis, the initial phase of neuron shape formation.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Developmental Biology

Background:

Neurons transition from spherical cells to complex structures with dendrites and axons during development.
This morphological elaboration relies on the precise assembly and dynamic regulation of the cellular cytoskeleton.
Cytoskeletal dynamics govern crucial cellular processes like migration, neurite extension, and polarization.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the regulation of intrinsic properties of actin and microtubule cytoskeletons.
To elucidate the association between specific cytoskeletal structures, dynamics, and early neuronal morphogenesis.
To focus on the critical process of neuritogenesis.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on neuronal development and cytoskeletal regulation.

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Standardization of a Novel Semi-Automatic Software for Neurite Outgrowth Measurement

Standardization of a Novel Semi-Automatic Software for Neurite Outgrowth Measurement

Published on: August 9, 2024

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 8, 2026

In Situ Visualization of Axon Growth and Growth Cone Dynamics in Acute Ex Vivo Embryonic Brain Slice Cultures

In Situ Visualization of Axon Growth and Growth Cone Dynamics in Acute Ex Vivo Embryonic Brain Slice Cultures

Published on: October 14, 2021

Standardization of a Novel Semi-Automatic Software for Neurite Outgrowth Measurement

Standardization of a Novel Semi-Automatic Software for Neurite Outgrowth Measurement

Published on: August 9, 2024

Analysis of studies focusing on actin and microtubule dynamics.

Examination of research linking cytoskeletal components to neurite outgrowth.

Main Results:

The organization and dynamics of actin filaments and microtubules are fundamental to neuronal migration and morphogenesis.
Specific cytoskeletal structures and their dynamic behaviors are directly implicated in the earliest stages of neurite formation.
Regulation of intrinsic cytoskeletal properties dictates the establishment of neuronal shape.

Conclusions:

The actin and microtubule cytoskeletons are critical regulators of neuronal morphogenesis, particularly during neuritogenesis.
Understanding the interplay between cytoskeletal dynamics and neuronal development offers insights into establishing complex neuronal architectures.
Further research into cytoskeletal regulation can illuminate mechanisms underlying neuronal structure and function.