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Factors regulating microtubule structure--a minireview.
Acta Histochemica. Supplementband
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Microtubule assembly is influenced by various factors, affecting their structure and protofilament number. This dynamic property can change based on effectors and environmental conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Microtubules are essential cytoskeletal polymers involved in various cellular processes.
- Tubulin assembly into microtubules is a complex process regulated by numerous factors.
- Variations in microtubule structure, specifically protofilament number, are observed both in vivo and in vitro.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize effectors that control tubulin assembly and microtubule formation.
- To explore the diversity of protofilament numbers in microtubules.
- To understand the dynamic nature of microtubule protofilament number.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and summarization of existing studies on tubulin assembly and effectors.
- Analysis of data on microtubule protofilament numbers in different conditions (in vivo and in vitro).
- Discussion of factors influencing protofilament diversity, including tubulin sequence variations.
Main Results:
- Microtubules exhibit varying protofilament numbers (11-16 in vivo, 8-17 in vitro).
- Specific effectors promote either standard microtubule formation or aberrant structures.
- Differences in tubulin amino acid sequences contribute to structural diversity.
Conclusions:
- Microtubule protofilament number is a dynamic property influenced by effectors and microenvironmental conditions.
- Permanent tubulin exchange underlies the dynamic regulation of microtubule structure.
- Understanding these regulatory mechanisms is crucial for comprehending microtubule function.