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Related Concept Videos

Microtubules in Cell Motility01:24

Microtubules in Cell Motility

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Microtubules are thick hollow cylindrical proteins that help form the cytoskeleton. Microtubules have varied roles in the cell. These filaments help form cellular appendages like cilia and flagella, which are responsible for locomotion. The cilia arise from basal bodies, separated from the main body by a membrane-like structure forming the transition zone. This zone is the gate for the entry of lipids and proteins, creating a unique composition of lipids and proteins in the ciliary membrane and...
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Microtubules are the thickest cytoskeletal filaments with a diameter of 25 nm. In prokaryotic organisms, microtubules are commonly found in locomotory appendages like cilia and flagella. In eukaryotic cells, microtubules form specialized extensions for moving fluid over the surface, like those found in cells lining the intestine.
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Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures01:32

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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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Microtubules in Signaling01:22

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The primary cilium, made up of microtubules, acts as antennae on the cell surfaces for relaying external stimuli into the cells. These fine hair-like structures are present, generally one per cell. These are non-motile cilia in a 9+0 microtubules arrangement, where the central pair of microtubules are absent. The primary cilia arise from the basal body embedded in the cell membrane. Intraflagellar transport (IFT) carries requisite proteins from the cytoplasm to the cilium because the primary...
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Contact-dependent signaling, as the name suggests, requires that communicating cells be in direct contact with each other. This is achieved either through receptor-ligand interactions or by specialized cytoplasmic channels that allow the flow of small molecules between cells. In animal cells, channels called gap junctions facilitate contact-dependent signaling in certain tissues, whereas, plasmodesmata perform a similar function in plants.
Gap Junctions
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Microtubules are small hollow tubes in eukaryotic cells. The cell wall microtubules are polymerized dimers of two globular proteins, α-tubulin and β-tubulin, two globular proteins. With a diameter of about 25 nm, microtubules are the widest components of the cytoskeleton. They help the cell resist compression and provide a track along which vesicles move through the cell or pull replicated chromosomes to opposite ends of a dividing cell. Microtubules go through quick cycles of...
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Simultaneous Visualization of the Dynamics of Crosslinked and Single Microtubules In Vitro by TIRF Microscopy
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Intercellular Communication Through Microtubular Highways.

Lorél Y Medina1, Rita E Serda2

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Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are cell connections that transfer materials between cells. These structures facilitate cellular communication and survival by sharing essential components and removing harmful substances.

Keywords:
Cancer cellGondolaMacrophageMicrotubulesNanoparticlesScanning electron microscopyTunneling nanotubes

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are intercellular connections facilitating material exchange.
  • TNTs are membrane-encased extensions with actin cytoskeletons, varying in diameter and length.
  • Thicker TNTs possess microtubule networks for bidirectional cargo transport.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the structural and functional characteristics of tunneling nanotubes.
  • To understand the role of TNTs in intercellular communication and cell survival.
  • To investigate the mechanisms of cargo transport within TNTs.

Main Methods:

  • Microscopy techniques to visualize TNTs and their components.
  • Biochemical assays to identify proteins involved in cargo transport.
  • Cellular assays to assess the functional role of TNTs in material exchange.

Main Results:

  • TNTs can extend over 300 μm and accommodate large cargos.
  • Actin cytoskeleton is crucial for TNT formation.
  • Motor proteins like dynein and myosin facilitate bidirectional transport of proteins, mitochondria, and nanoparticles via TNTs.

Conclusions:

  • TNTs are dynamic structures essential for cellular cooperation and resilience.
  • They enable cells to function as a coordinated unit.
  • TNTs contribute to cell longevity by allowing the transfer of vital materials and removal of toxins.