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Updated: Dec 21, 2025

Preparation of Segmented Microtubules to Study Motions Driven by the Disassembling Microtubule Ends
Published on: March 15, 2014
Kinesin-8 motors: regulation of microtubule dynamics and chromosome movements
Yang Lin1,2, Ya-Lan Wei3,4, Zhen-Yu She5,6
1Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
Abstract:
Microtubules are essential for intracellular transport, cell motility, spindle assembly, and chromosome segregation during cell division. Microtubule dynamics regulate the proper spindle organization and thus contribute to chromosome congression and segregation. Accumulating studies suggest that kinesin-8 motors are emerging regulators of microtubule dynamics and organizations. In this review, we provide an overview of the studies focused on kinesin-8 motors in cell division. We discuss the structures and molecular kinetics of kinesin-8 motors. We highlight the essential roles and mechanisms of kinesin-8 in the regulation of microtubule dynamics and spindle organization. We also shed light on the functions of kinesin-8 motors in chromosome movement and the spindle assembly checkpoint during the cell cycle.
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