Compressive forces stabilize microtubules in living cells.

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Biophysics
• Cytoskeleton Dynamics

Background:

• Microtubules are dynamic cytoskeletal polymers with distinct mechanical properties.
• Cells can maintain stable microtubules, but the link between microtubule dynamics and mechanics is not fully understood.
• In vitro studies suggest microtubules possess mechano-responsive self-repair capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how microtubules respond to cyclic compressive forces within living cells.
• To determine if mechanical forces influence microtubule stability and dynamics in vivo.
• To elucidate the role of microtubule mechano-responsiveness in cellular functions like migration.

Main Methods:

• Applying cycles of compressive forces to microtubules in living cells.
• Observing changes in microtubule morphology, dynamics, and stability.
• Tracking the localization of CLASP2 in response to mechanical stress.

Main Results:

• Microtubules subjected to compressive forces become distorted, less dynamic, and more stable.
• This mechano-stabilization is dependent on the protein CLASP2.
• CLASP2 relocates from microtubule ends to the deformed shaft upon force application.
• This stabilization mechanism is essential for cell migration in confined spaces.

Conclusions:

• Microtubules in living cells exhibit mechano-responsive properties, actively resisting and counteracting applied forces.
• CLASP2 plays a key role in microtubule mechano-stabilization.
• Microtubule mechano-responsiveness is a central mediator of cellular responses to mechanical stimuli and is vital for migration.