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Updated: Jul 16, 2025

Preparation of Segmented Microtubules to Study Motions Driven by the Disassembling Microtubule Ends
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Preparation of Segmented Microtubules to Study Motions Driven by the Disassembling Microtubule Ends

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Characterization of human Ccser2 as a protein tracking the plus-ends of microtubules

Yuko Shirai1, Tomohiro Okuda1, Kenzi Oshima1

  • 1Department of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan.

BMC Research Notes
|September 8, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Researchers identified Ccser2 as a novel microtubule plus-end-tracking protein (TIP) in human breast cancer cells. This finding advances understanding of microtubule dynamics, crucial for cancer cell proliferation and potential therapeutic targeting.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Microtubules are critical for cell proliferation and are a key target in cancer therapy.
  • Intracellular control mechanisms of microtubules are not fully understood.
  • Microtubule dynamics are regulated by microtubule-associated proteins, including plus-end-tracking proteins (+TIPs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and analyze novel microtubule plus-end-tracking proteins (+TIPs).
  • To investigate the role of Ccser2 as a +TIP in human breast cancer cells.

Main Methods:

  • Microscopic observations, including time-lapse imaging.
  • Analysis of Ccser2 localization and function in MCF-7 cells.

Main Results:

  • Ccser2 was identified as a novel +TIP in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells.
  • The C-terminal region of Ccser2, containing two SxIP motifs, is crucial for its tracking function.
  • Endogenous Ccser2 localizes to the peripheral regions of microtubule fibers, indicating a role in cell projections.

Conclusions:

  • Ccser2 is a newly identified +TIP involved in regulating microtubule dynamics in breast cancer cells.
  • Understanding Ccser2's function may offer new insights into cancer cell proliferation and therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
Breast cancerEB1Microtubule plus-end-tracking proteinsMicrotubule-associated proteinsMicrotubules

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