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Phase separation on microtubules: from droplet formation to cellular function?

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Microtubule-binding proteins may form liquid-like condensates through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), influencing cellular processes. This review examines the evidence for and against LLPS in microtubules within cells.

Keywords:
cytoskeletonin vitro reconstitutionliquid–liquid phase separationmicrotubulemultivalency

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Microtubules are essential cytoskeletal polymers involved in cell shape, division, and transport.
  • Microtubule-binding proteins often feature intrinsically disordered regions and form complex networks.
  • Recent studies suggest these proteins can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in vitro.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence for and against the occurrence of LLPS in microtubule-related processes in cells.
  • To discuss the potential functional significance of LLPS in microtubule dynamics, organization, and transport.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on microtubule-binding proteins and LLPS.
  • Analysis of in vitro and in vivo evidence regarding LLPS in microtubule systems.
  • Discussion of the implications of LLPS for cellular functions.

Main Results:

  • In vitro studies demonstrate that many microtubule-binding proteins can undergo LLPS.
  • Evidence for LLPS occurring and being functionally significant within cells remains under investigation.
  • LLPS has the potential to regulate microtubule nucleation, dynamics, organization, and transport.

Conclusions:

  • LLPS is a plausible mechanism for regulating microtubule-based cellular functions.
  • Further research is needed to confirm the in vivo occurrence and functional roles of LLPS in microtubule systems.
  • Understanding LLPS in microtubules could reveal new insights into cellular organization and transport.