Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2025

Simultaneous Visualization of the Dynamics of Crosslinked and Single Microtubules In Vitro by TIRF Microscopy
Published on: February 18, 2022
Microtubules and viral infection
Eveline Santos da Silva1, Mojgan H Naghavi2
1Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States; HIV Clinical and Translational Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Department of Infection and Immunity, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
Microtubules (MTs) are vital for cell structure and transport. Viruses exploit these cellular highways and their regulatory proteins for replication within diverse cellular compartments.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Virology
- Cytoskeleton Dynamics
Background:
- Microtubules (MTs) are dynamic intracellular filaments crucial for cellular structure, motility, division, and intracellular transport.
- Specialized proteins regulate MT nucleation, growth, stability, and cargo transport, ensuring precise cellular organization.
Conclusions:
- Understanding MT-virus interactions is critical for deciphering viral pathogenesis.
- Targeting MT networks presents potential avenues for antiviral therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria
Microtubule Formation
Destabilization of Microtubules
Microtubule Instability
Microtubules
Microtubules have two structurally similar globular protein subunits: α and β tubulins. In the cytosol, the α and β tubulins form a heterodimer....
Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures

