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Related Concept Videos

Microtubule Instability02:17

Microtubule Instability

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Microtubules are hollow cylindrical filaments having a diameter of approximately 25 nm and a length that varies from 200 nm to 25 μm. GTP-bound tubulin subunits form αβ-heterodimers for microtubule assembly. These core building blocks interact longitudinally, polymerizing into protofilaments. The protofilaments then interact with one another through lateral bonding forces to form stable cylindrical microtubules. These cylindrical filaments are dynamic as they undergo repeated...
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The destabilization of microtubules can occur during different stages of the microtubule lifecycle, such as nucleation or elongation. It can take place at either end of the microtubule or in the microtubule lattices as a whole. The lifespan of individual microtubules within a cell varies according to the cell type and stage of the cell cycle. During interphase, the lifespan of the microtubule is about 30 minutes, while during cell division, it is about 15 minutes. In axonal microtubules of...
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Complex microtubule structures are present in resting cells and in dividing cells. In resting cells, they are responsible for maintaining the cellular architecture, tracks for intracellular transport, positioning of organelles, assembly of cilia and flagella. They mediate the bipolar spindle assembly for chromosomal segregation and positioning of the cell division plate in dividing cells. The formation of microtubule complex structures depends on the cell type, cell stage, and cell function.
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Microtubule Formation01:23

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Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo continuous assembly and disassembly. They originate from specialized multi-protein complexes known as microtubule organizing centers or MTOCs. Within the MTOC, the point of origin of the microtubule is known as the minus end, while the end radiating outward is the plus end. Microtubules serve two primary functions — the organization of spindle complexes to separate sister chromatids during mitotic or meiotic cell division and the formation...
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Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs)01:42

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Microtubule function and architecture are regulated by an array of specialized proteins called microtubule-associated proteins or MAPs. These proteins are widespread across different organisms and have conserved protein motifs, like the multi-TOG domain for tubulin binding found in the CLASP family of MAPs. Some MAPs are lineage-specific based on their conserved domains. Their functions depend upon the cytoskeletal architecture and cell type they are located within. In-plant cells, a specific...
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Cytoskeletal filaments are polymeric forms of smaller protein subunits. However, individual cytoskeletal filaments may easily disassemble or associate with other similar filaments to form rigid structures. Microfilaments, made of actin monomers, rely on actin-binding proteins to form bundles and create networks of individual actin filaments. Microtubules rely on microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) to form sturdy cylindrical structures. However, the proteins involved in forming complex...
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More is different: Reconstituting complexity in microtubule regulation.

Elizabeth J Lawrence1, Saptarshi Chatterjee1, Marija Zanic2

  • 1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.

The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|October 28, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Microtubule dynamics are regulated by microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) and protein condensates. In vitro reconstitution studies reveal how these factors control microtubule stability and cellular processes.

Keywords:
+TIPscondensateslattice damagelattice repairmicrotubule dynamicsmicrotubule regulationmicrotubule-associated proteinsphase separation

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Microtubules are essential cytoskeletal components exhibiting dynamic instability, crucial for cellular functions like motility and chromosome segregation.
  • Complex spatiotemporal regulation of microtubule dynamics is vital for these processes.
  • Microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) interact with microtubule ends and lattices to achieve this regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding microtubule regulation.
  • To focus on insights gained from in vitro biochemical reconstitution approaches using purified proteins.
  • To elucidate the roles of MAPs and protein condensates in microtubule dynamics.

Main Methods:

  • Biochemical in vitro reconstitution using purified multiprotein ensembles.
  • Analysis of microtubule end dynamics.
  • Assessment of microtubule lattice stability and turnover.

Main Results:

  • Combinatorial effects of MAPs significantly influence individual microtubule end dynamics.
  • MAPs impact the overall stability and turnover rate of the microtubule lattice.
  • Protein condensates play a newly recognized role in regulating microtubule behavior.

Conclusions:

  • In vitro reconstitution approaches provide critical insights into microtubule regulatory mechanisms.
  • Understanding MAP and protein condensate interactions is key to deciphering microtubule control in cellular environments.
  • This work highlights the power of bottom-up approaches to study complex biological systems.