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Related Concept Videos

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures01:32

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures

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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.
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Microtubule Instability02:17

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Microtubules are hollow cylindrical filaments having a diameter of approximately 25 nm and a length that varies from 200 nm to 25 μm. GTP-bound tubulin subunits form αβ-heterodimers for microtubule assembly. These core building blocks interact longitudinally, polymerizing into protofilaments. The protofilaments then interact with one another through lateral bonding forces to form stable cylindrical microtubules. These cylindrical filaments are dynamic as they undergo repeated...
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Microtubule Formation01:23

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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...
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Microtubules are the thickest cytoskeletal filaments with a diameter of 25 nm. In prokaryotic organisms, microtubules are commonly found in locomotory appendages like cilia and flagella. In eukaryotic cells, microtubules form specialized extensions for moving fluid over the surface, like those found in cells lining the intestine.
Microtubules have two structurally similar globular protein subunits: α and β tubulins. In the cytosol, the α and β tubulins form a heterodimer....
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Microtubules01:35

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There are three types of cytoskeletal structures in eukaryotic cells—microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. With a diameter of about 25 nm, microtubules are the thickest of these fibers. Microtubules carry out a variety of functions that include cell structure and support, transport of organelles, cell motility (movement), and the separation of chromosomes during cell division.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Purification of Tubulin with Controlled Posttranslational Modifications and Isotypes from Limited Sources by Polymerization-Depolymerization Cycles
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Purification of Tubulin with Controlled Posttranslational Modifications and Isotypes from Limited Sources by Polymerization-Depolymerization Cycles

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A slow dance for microtubule acetylation.

F Jon Kull1, Roger D Sloboda2

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.

Cell
|June 7, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Microtubules are essential for cell function. New research reveals how tubulin acetyltransferase (TAT) marks stable, long-lived microtubules through acetylation, providing a unique time-stamping mechanism.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Microtubules are dynamic cytoskeletal polymers crucial for cellular processes.
  • Stable, long-lived microtubule populations are marked by posttranslational modifications.
  • Acetylation of alpha-tubulin by tubulin acetyltransferase (TAT) is a key modification for long-lived microtubules.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanism of action of tubulin acetyltransferase (TAT).
  • To understand how TAT contributes to the unique time-stamping ability of long-lived microtubules.
  • To provide molecular insights into microtubule stabilization and marking.

Main Methods:

  • Biochemical assays to study TAT activity.
  • In vitro reconstitution experiments.

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Quantitative Microtubule Fractionation Technique to Separate Stable Microtubules, Labile Microtubules, and Free Tubulin in Mouse Tissues
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  • Microscopy techniques to visualize microtubule dynamics and acetylation.

    • Main Results:

    • Detailed characterization of TAT's enzymatic activity.
    • Demonstration of TAT's role in marking specific microtubule populations.
    • Evidence supporting TAT's function in time-stamping microtubule age.

    Conclusions:

    • TAT plays a critical role in distinguishing and marking long-lived microtubules.
    • The acetylation process mediated by TAT acts as a molecular timer for microtubules.
    • Understanding TAT's mechanism offers insights into microtubule regulation and cellular organization.