Bending-torsional elasticity and energetics of the plus-end microtubule tip

SignificanceThe mechanochemical basis of microtubule growth, which is essential for the normal function and division of eukaryotic cells, has remained elusive and controversial, despite extensive work. In particular, recent findings have created the paradox that the microtubule plus-end tips look very similar during both growing and shrinking phases, thereby challenging the traditional textbook picture. Our large-scale atomistic simulations resolve this paradox and explain microtubule growth and shrinkage dynamics as a process governed by energy barriers between protofilament conformations, the heights of which are in turn fine-tuned by different nucleotide states, thus implementing an information-driven Brownian ratchet.