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StableMARK-decorated microtubules in cells have expanded lattices
Leanne de Jager1, Klara I Jansen2, Robin Hoogebeen2
1Structural Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
The Journal of Cell Biology
|October 10, 2024
Summary
Microtubule lattice spacing varies within cells, with expanded lattices correlating with microtubule stability. This finding suggests lattice conformation is a key regulatory factor in cellular microtubule function.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Microtubules are essential cytoskeletal polymers involved in diverse cellular processes.
- Regulation of microtubule function involves posttranslational modifications, associated proteins, and tubulin variants.
- Microtubule lattice conformation is a newly recognized regulatory mechanism, but its cellular prevalence is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the coexistence of different microtubule lattice conformations within cells.
- To determine the relationship between microtubule lattice spacing and microtubule stability.
Main Methods:
- Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) was used to visualize microtubule structures at high resolution.
- Correlative cryo-light and electron microscopy enabled linking lattice structure to cellular markers.
- StableMARK was utilized as a marker for identifying stable microtubule populations.
Main Results:
- Most microtubules exhibited a compacted lattice (approx. 41 Å monomer spacing).
- Approximately 25% of microtubules displayed a more expanded lattice spacing.
- The microtubule-stabilizing drug Taxol increased lattice spacing in all observed microtubules.
- Stable microtubules, identified by StableMARK, predominantly showed expanded lattice spacing (approx. 41.9 Å).
Conclusions:
- Different microtubule lattice conformations coexist within the cell.
- Microtubule lattice expansion is closely associated with microtubule stability.
- Lattice spacing is implicated as a significant factor in defining distinct microtubule populations.
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