Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2025
07:21
Quantitative Microtubule Fractionation Technique to Separate Stable Microtubules, Labile Microtubules, and Free Tubulin in Mouse Tissues
Published on: November 17, 2023
1.9K
Phase separation of microtubule-binding proteins - implications for neuronal function and disease
Daisy Duan1, Anthony J Koleske1,2
1Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
Journal of Cell Science
|December 16, 2024
Summary
Protein liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) regulates microtubule dynamics and neuronal development. Dysregulation of this process in microtubule-binding proteins (MBPs) is linked to neurodegenerative diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Protein liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a crucial cellular mechanism.
- Microtubule (MT)-binding proteins (MBPs) regulate MT dynamics and are implicated in LLPS.
- Dysregulation of MBP LLPS is linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of MBP LLPS in regulating MT dynamics.
- To explore how MBP LLPS influences neuronal development and homeostasis.
- To bridge in vitro and in vivo findings on MBP LLPS.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vitro studies on MBP-MT interactions and LLPS.
- Analysis of in vivo studies investigating MBP LLPS in neuronal development.
- Integration of findings on cytoskeletal regulators and phase separation.
Main Results:
- MBPs utilize intrinsically disordered regions and multivalent domains to drive LLPS.
- MBP LLPS is essential for regulating MT nucleation, stabilization, and dynamics.
- MBP LLPS plays a significant role in neuronal development and maintenance.
Conclusions:
- LLPS of MBPs is a key mechanism controlling MT dynamics.
- Aberrant MBP LLPS contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders.
- Understanding MBP LLPS offers insights into neuronal development and disease.
More Related Videos
08:04Author Spotlight: Understanding Microtubule Network in Drosophila Neuromuscular Junctions
Published on: October 20, 2023
2.6K
07:54Purification of Tubulin with Controlled Posttranslational Modifications and Isotypes from Limited Sources by Polymerization-Depolymerization Cycles
Published on: November 5, 2020
5.1K
Related Concept Videos
01:32Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures
1.8K
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.
1.8K
01:42Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs)
4.2K
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...
4.2K
01:45Destabilization of Microtubules
2.6K
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...
2.6K
02:17Microtubule Instability
5.0K
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...
5.0K
01:15Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
2.0K
Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
2.0K
01:23Microtubule Formation
5.5K
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...
5.5K