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Related Concept Videos

Microtubules in Cell Motility01:24

Microtubules in Cell Motility

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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...
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Introduction to the Cytoskeleton01:33

Introduction to the Cytoskeleton

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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...
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Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:18

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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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Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures01:32

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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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Microtubules01:35

Microtubules

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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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Microtubules01:18

Microtubules

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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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Updated: Mar 1, 2026

Self-Assembly of Microtubule Tactoids
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Cytoskeletal organization in microtentacles.

Alison N Killilea1, Roseann Csencsits1, Emily Bao Ngoc Thien Le1

  • 1Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Biomaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.

Experimental Cell Research
|May 29, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Microtentacles, thin cell protrusions aiding cancer cell attachment, were studied for their structure. Researchers found microtubules and intermediate filaments can be separate within these structures, offering new therapeutic targets for metastasis.

Keywords:
Electron tomographyMetastasisMicrotentaclesMicrotubulesStructure

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Microscopy

Background:

  • Microtentacles are recently discovered cell protrusions enhancing circulating cell attachment.
  • They are found on circulating tumor cells and can be induced in breast cancer cell lines.
  • Microtentacles are implicated in cancer metastasis, necessitating research into their structure and formation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the ultrastructure of microtentacles, focusing on microtubule and intermediate filament arrangement.
  • To provide the first detailed insights into the internal organization of microtentacles.

Main Methods:

  • High pressure frozen section electron microscopy.
  • Cryo-electron tomography of intact cells.
  • Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy.

Main Results:

  • Microtentacles form rapidly (minutes) upon stabilization of microtubules and destabilization of actin filaments.
  • Mature microtentacles are <1 micrometer in diameter, tapering to <100nm, with branches and bulges.
  • Microtubules and intermediate filaments can occupy distinct regions within microtentacles; thin regions show dense microtubules and no intermediate filaments.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides the first ultrastructural insights into microtentacle composition and arrangement.
  • Understanding microtentacle structure is crucial for developing anti-metastasis therapies.
  • This research is a significant step towards confirming the role of microtentacles in cancer spread.