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Updated: Jul 3, 2025
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Using plusTipTracker Software to Measure Microtubule Dynamics in Xenopus laevis Growth Cones
Published on: September 7, 2014
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Microtubule specialization by +TIP networks: from mechanisms to functional implications
Sandro M Meier1, Michel O Steinmetz2, Yves Barral3
1Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, and Bringing Materials to Life Initiative, ETH Zürich, Switzerland; Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, Switzerland; Bringing Materials to Life Initiative, ETH Zürich, Switzerland.
Trends in Biochemical Sciences
|February 13, 2024
Summary
Microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) may pre-determine microtubule function, contrary to the search and capture model. Microtubule plus-end tracking proteins (+TIPs) and liquid biomolecular condensation are key to this a priori specialization.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Microtubules are essential cytoskeletal polymers with diverse cellular roles.
- Microtubule specialization is crucial for cellular function.
- Existing models suggest target capture dictates microtubule function (a posteriori).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms of a priori microtubule functional specialization.
- To highlight the role of microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs) in imparting initial identity.
- To discuss the involvement of plus-end tracking proteins (+TIPs) and liquid biomolecular condensation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on microtubule specialization.
- Analysis of findings from budding yeast and other cell types.
- Focus on the role of +TIP networks and biomolecular condensation.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests MTOCs can impart a priori functional identity to microtubules.
- +TIPs are key regulators of microtubule dynamics and interactions.
- Liquid biomolecular condensation of +TIP networks is a potential mechanism for specialization.
Conclusions:
- A priori specialization by MTOCs offers an alternative to the search and capture model.
- +TIP networks and liquid biomolecular condensation are critical for establishing microtubule identity early.
- This specialization is conserved across different cell types.
Keywords:
+TIP bodybiomolecular condensatesbudding yeastmicrotubule-organizing centers (MTOCs)microtubulesplus-end tracking proteins (+TIPs)More Related Videos
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