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Microtubule Instability

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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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The destabilization of microtubules can occur during different stages of the microtubule lifecycle, such as nucleation or elongation. It can take place at either end of the microtubule or in the microtubule lattices as a whole. The lifespan of individual microtubules within a cell varies according to the cell type and stage of the cell cycle. During interphase, the lifespan of the microtubule is about 30 minutes, while during cell division, it is about 15 minutes. In axonal microtubules of...
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Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
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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 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...
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Controlling Flow Speeds of Microtubule-Based 3D Active Fluids Using Temperature
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Engineering stability, longevity, and miscibility of microtubule-based active fluids.

Pooja Chandrakar1,2, John Berezney1, Bezia Lemma1,2,3

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We developed new microtubule-based active fluids using different kinesin motors and crosslinkers. These novel formulations show distinct properties and improved temporal stability for active matter research.

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Soft Matter Physics
  • Cellular Dynamics

Background:

  • Microtubule-based active matter systems offer insights into self-organization.
  • Existing systems provide a foundation for exploring motile interacting constituents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe novel formulations of microtubule-based 3D active isotropic fluids.
  • To investigate the distinct properties arising from different motor proteins and crosslinking strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing three types of kinesin motors: processive, non-processive, and backbone-linked.
  • Employing a specific microtubule crosslinker to induce bundle formation.
  • Comparing dynamics and properties against established microtubule-based active matter systems.

Main Results:

  • Each new formulation exhibits distinct dynamic and stability properties.
  • The use of specific crosslinkers leads to bundle formation, altering fluid behavior.
  • Demonstrated temporal stability in the developed microtubule-based active fluids.

Conclusions:

  • Novel microtubule-based active fluid formulations offer enhanced control and distinct behaviors.
  • These developments expand the applicability and temporal stability of active matter systems.
  • The study provides a versatile platform for investigating self-organization in biological and synthetic systems.