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Related Concept Videos

Microtubules in Cell Motility01:24

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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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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.
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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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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...
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Microtubules are small hollow tubes in eukaryotic cells. The cell wall microtubules are polymerized dimers of two globular proteins, α-tubulin and β-tubulin, two globular proteins. With a diameter of about 25 nm, microtubules are the widest components of the cytoskeleton. They help the cell resist compression and provide a track along which vesicles move through the cell or pull replicated chromosomes to opposite ends of a dividing cell. Microtubules go through quick cycles of...
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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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Microtubules enter centre stage for morphogenesis.

Katja Röper1

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Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences
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Microtubules, not just actin, actively shape cells during tissue development. This review highlights recent findings on the microtubule cytoskeleton's direct role in epithelial morphogenesis.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Cell shape changes drive tissue-level morphogenesis and organ formation.
  • The actin cytoskeleton, particularly actomyosin, has been considered the primary driver of cell deformation in epithelial sheets.
  • Microtubules were traditionally viewed as having only housekeeping roles in morphogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent research demonstrating a direct role for microtubules in epithelial morphogenesis.
  • To advocate for a broader consideration of the microtubule cytoskeleton's active contribution to developmental processes.
  • To shift the focus from actin-centric to a more inclusive view of cytoskeletal roles in morphogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies published in the last 10 years.
  • Analysis of research focusing on microtubule involvement in epithelial cell shape changes.
  • Synthesis of evidence highlighting direct morphogenetic functions of microtubules.

Main Results:

  • Evidence indicates microtubules directly influence cell shape during epithelial morphogenesis.
  • Studies reveal microtubule-mediated mechanisms contributing to tissue deformation.
  • The traditional view of microtubules as solely housekeeping elements is challenged.

Conclusions:

  • Microtubules play a significant, active role in epithelial morphogenesis.
  • Future research should expand the focus to include microtubules as key players in developmental processes.
  • A revised understanding of cytoskeletal contributions is needed for comprehensive morphogenesis studies.