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Title: More is different: Reconstituting complexity in microtubule regulation
Microtubules are dynamic cytoskeletal filaments that undergo stochastic switching between phases of polymerization and depolymerization—a behavior known as dynamic instability. Many important cellular processes, including cell motility, chromosome segregation, and intracellular transport, require complex spatiotemporal regulation of microtubule dynamics. This coordinated regulation is achieved through the interactions of numerous microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) with microtubule ends and lattices. Here, we review the recent advances in our understanding of microtubule regulation, focusing on results arising from biochemical in vitro reconstitution approaches using purified multiprotein ensembles. We discuss how the combinatory effects of MAPs affect both the dynamics of individual microtubule ends, as well as the stability and turnover of the microtubule lattice. In addition, we highlight new results demonstrating the roles of protein condensates in microtubule regulation. Our overall intent is to showcase how lessons learned from reconstitution approaches help unravel the regulatory mechanisms at play in complex cellular environments.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2018661
PAR ID:
10511226
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ;
Publisher / Repository:
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Journal of Biological Chemistry
Volume:
299
Issue:
12
ISSN:
0021-9258
Page Range / eLocation ID:
105398
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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