Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026
04:39
Measuring Axonal Cargo Transport in Mouse Primary Cortical Cultured Neurons
Published on: February 24, 2023
600
Differentiation between Oppositely Oriented Microtubules Controls Polarized Neuronal Transport
Roderick P Tas1, Anaël Chazeau1, Bas M C Cloin1
1Division of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Neuron
|December 5, 2017
Summary
Neuronal microtubules are organized into bundles with distinct orientations and modifications. This organization guides motor proteins like Kinesin-1 to specific neuronal compartments, ensuring polarized transport.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Cytoskeleton Dynamics
Background:
- Microtubules are crucial for polarized transport in neurons.
- The mechanisms by which microtubule organization directs motor proteins to axons or dendrites are not fully understood.
- Motor proteins exhibit preferences for distinct microtubule properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between microtubule orientation, stability, and post-translational modifications in neurons.
- To understand how microtubule organization guides specific motor proteins to axons versus dendrites.
Main Methods:
- Utilized optical nanoscopy for super-resolution imaging of microtubules.
- Employed nanometric tracking of motor proteins to determine their interactions with microtubules.
- Assessed microtubule polarity, stability (dynamic vs. stable), and modifications (acetylated vs. tyrosinated).
Main Results:
- Identified distinct microtubule populations in dendrites: stable, acetylated microtubules oriented minus-end out, and dynamic, tyrosinated microtubules oriented oppositely.
- Observed that microtubules with similar properties form bundles, influencing transport direction.
- Demonstrated that Kinesin-1, preferring acetylated microtubules, is guided to axons, while Kinesin-3, preferring tyrosinated microtubules, can access both axons and dendrites.
Conclusions:
- Neuronal microtubule organization into oppositely oriented bundles with distinct modifications is a key principle for polarized sorting.
- This cytoskeletal architecture enables differential guidance of motor proteins, ensuring efficient and specific cargo transport within neurons.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Polarity of the Cytoskeleton
25.3K
The intrinsic polarity of cells can be primarily attributed to two factors- i) the asymmetric accumulation of mobile components such are regulatory molecules and subcellular components across the cell and ii) the orientation of polar cytoskeletal filaments that make up the cytoskeletal networks, specifically microfilaments, and microtubules arranged along the axis of polarity. Interactions between the cytoskeletal filaments are crucial for the establishment and maintenance of the polar nature...
25.3K
01:32Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures
2.5K
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.
2.5K
01:39Anaphase A and B
5.6K
Microtubules form through the end-to-end polymerization of tubulin heterodimers. Kinetochore microtubules originate from the spindle poles, and their plus-ends connect with the kinetochores on sister-chromatids. Ndc80 protein complexes, present on the kinetochore, form low-affinity links with the plus end of these kinetochore microtubules.
Plus-end depolymerization releases tubulin heterodimers from the terminal region of the microtubule. As tubulin subunits are lost, the Ndc80 complexes detach...
Plus-end depolymerization releases tubulin heterodimers from the terminal region of the microtubule. As tubulin subunits are lost, the Ndc80 complexes detach...
5.6K
01:35Microtubules
101.7K
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.
101.7K
01:18Microtubules
10.9K
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....
10.9K
02:11Forces Acting on Chromosomes
4.0K
During mitosis, chromosome movements occur through the interplay of multiple piconewton level forces. In prometaphase, these forces help in chromosome assembly or congression at the equatorial plane, eventually leading to their alignment at the metaphase plate. The forces acting on the chromosomes are space and time-dependent; therefore, they vary with the position of the chromosomes as the cell progresses through mitosis.
Microtubules and motor proteins exert two types of forces on...
Microtubules and motor proteins exert two types of forces on...
4.0K