Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Quantitative Microtubule Fractionation Technique to Separate Stable Microtubules, Labile Microtubules, and Free Tubulin in Mouse Tissues
07:21

Quantitative Microtubule Fractionation Technique to Separate Stable Microtubules, Labile Microtubules, and Free Tubulin in Mouse Tissues

Published on: November 17, 2023

2.7K

Miro-Working beyond Mitochondria and Microtubules

Bor Luen Tang1,2

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore. bchtbl@nus.edu.sg.

Cells
|March 8, 2018
PubMed

Insights

The small GTPase Miro regulates mitochondrial and peroxisome movement. Miro also controls actin-based mitochondrial movement crucial for cell division, expanding its known functions.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Organelle Dynamics

Background:

  • Mitochondrial transport relies on Miro and microtubule motors.
  • Miro's role in organelle motility was previously limited to mitochondria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate Miro's broader roles in organelle transport.
  • To explore Miro's regulation of peroxisome and actin-based mitochondrial motility.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized cell-based assays to observe organelle movement.
  • Investigated protein interactions and motor recruitment.

Main Results:

  • Miro targets peroxisomes, regulating their microtubule-dependent motility.
  • Miro recruits and stabilizes myosin Myo19 for actin-based mitochondrial movement.
  • Mitochondrial segregation during mitosis is dependent on this Miro-Myo19 interaction.

Conclusions:

  • Miro possesses broader functions in organelle motility than previously understood.
  • Miro's expanded roles in peroxisome and actin-based mitochondrial transport have implications for cellular processes and disease.
Keywords:
Mitochondrial Rho (Miro)actinmicrotubulesmitochondriaperoxisome

More Related Videos

Multi-parameter Measurement of the Permeability Transition Pore Opening in Isolated Mouse Heart Mitochondria13:42

Multi-parameter Measurement of the Permeability Transition Pore Opening in Isolated Mouse Heart Mitochondria

Published on: September 7, 2012

22.1K
Preparation of Segmented Microtubules to Study Motions Driven by the Disassembling Microtubule Ends12:20

Preparation of Segmented Microtubules to Study Motions Driven by the Disassembling Microtubule Ends

Published on: March 15, 2014

15.0K

Related Concept Videos

Microtubules01:35

Microtubules

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.
101.4K
Microtubules01:18

Microtubules

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....
10.8K
Peroxisomes and Mitochondria01:30

Peroxisomes and Mitochondria

Peroxisomes and mitochondria are two important oxygen-utilizing organelles in eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria carry out cellular respiration—the process that converts energy from food into ATP. Peroxisomes carry out a variety of functions, primarily breaking down different substances, such as fatty acids.
The peroxisome is a single membrane-bound cellular organelle that can perform several different functions, including lipid metabolism and chemical detoxification. The enzymes within...
98.0K
Mitochondria01:37

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
20.7K
Microtubule Instability02:17

Microtubule Instability

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...
6.3K
Microtubule Formation01:23

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...
7.8K