Related Experiment Videos
A role for microtubule dynamics in phagosome movement
A Blocker1, G Griffiths, J C Olivo
1Cell Biology Programme, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany. ablocker@pasteur.fr
Journal of Cell Science
|April 29, 1998
Summary
Phagosomes exhibit two distinct microtubule-based movements: slow peripheral and fast interior. Microtubule dynamics influence slow movements, while motors drive fast ones, suggesting dynamic microtubule binding for phagosome transport.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Cytoskeletal Dynamics
- Intracellular Transport
Background:
- Intracellular phagosome movement is crucial for cellular functions.
- Previous studies established the requirement of microtubules for phagosome motility.
- Phagosomes undergo distinct movements within the cell.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the different types of microtubule-based movements exhibited by phagosomes.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying these distinct phagosome movements.
- To determine the role of microtubule dynamics and motors in phagosome transport.
Main Methods:
- Observation of phagosome movement in cells treated with microtubule-altering drugs (taxol, nocodazole).
- Quantification of phagosome speeds and localization (peripheral vs. interior).
- In vitro assays examining phagosome binding to microtubule plus-ends.
Main Results:
- Phagosomes display two movement types: slow (peripheral, <0.1 µm/s) and fast (interior, 0.2–1.5 µm/s).
- Microtubule-altering drugs reduced slow movements by 50% but did not affect fast movements.
- Early phagosomes preferentially bind to microtubule plus-ends, dependent on cytosolic microtubule-associated proteins.
Conclusions:
- Slow phagosome movements are linked to microtubule dynamics, while fast movements rely on microtubule motors.
- Phagosomes may utilize dynamic microtubule plus-end binding for their peripheral movement and transport.
- Understanding these mechanisms offers insights into intracellular trafficking and cellular processes.