Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 11, 2026
06:54
A Time-Efficient Fluorescence Spectroscopy-Based Assay for Evaluating Actin Polymerization Status in Rodent and Human Brain Tissues
Published on: June 3, 2021
4.7K
Periodic actin structures in neuronal axons are required to maintain microtubules
Yue Qu1, Ines Hahn1, Stephen E D Webb2
1Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom.
Molecular Biology of the Cell
|November 25, 2016
Summary
The periodic membrane skeleton (PMS) in axons, composed of actin rings, is crucial for maintaining microtubule organization and axon integrity. This study reveals PMS
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Axons are vital neuronal processes supported by microtubule bundles.
- A conserved feature, the periodic membrane skeleton (PMS), comprises actin rings surrounding microtubules, but its function is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of the periodic membrane skeleton (PMS) in axon structure and maintenance.
- To elucidate the relationship between PMS, actin dynamics, and microtubule organization.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Drosophila genetics for versatile manipulation of actin regulators.
- Employed super-resolution microscopy to visualize PMS organization.
- Applied actin-targeting drugs and functional readouts to assess PMS function.
Main Results:
- PMS consists of short, depolymerization-resistant actin filaments sensitive to spectrin, adducin, and nucleator proteins.
- Actin removal led to microtubule defects and reduced axon numbers, indicating PMS' role in microtubule organization.
- PMS abundance positively correlated with microtubule regulation, especially in the presence of Short stop (Shot).
Conclusions:
- The periodic membrane skeleton (PMS) plays a critical role in organizing and maintaining microtubule stability within axons.
- PMS-dependent microtubule polymerization is essential for axon maintenance and potentially regeneration.
- These findings offer novel insights into axon structural biology and disease mechanisms.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:32Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures
2.8K
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.
2.8K
01:24Microtubules in Cell Motility
4.9K
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...
4.9K
01:24Microtubules in Cell Motility
1.5K
1.5K
01:35Microtubules
102.5K
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.
102.5K
01:18Microtubules
11.2K
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....
Microtubules have two structurally similar globular protein subunits: α and β tubulins. In the cytosol, the α and β tubulins form a heterodimer....
11.2K
01:18Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments
28.1K
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...
28.1K