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Neuron Aug 2015Microtubules are one of the major cytoskeletal components of neurons, essential for many fundamental cellular and developmental processes, such as neuronal migration,... (Review)
Review
Microtubules are one of the major cytoskeletal components of neurons, essential for many fundamental cellular and developmental processes, such as neuronal migration, polarity, and differentiation. Microtubules have been regarded as critical structures for stable neuronal morphology because they serve as tracks for long-distance transport, provide dynamic and mechanical functions, and control local signaling events. Establishment and maintenance of the neuronal microtubule architecture requires tight control over different dynamic parameters, such as microtubule number, length, distribution, orientations, and bundling. Recent genetic studies have identified mutations in a wide variety of tubulin isotypes and microtubule-related proteins in many of the major neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we highlight the functions of the neuronal microtubule cytoskeleton, its architecture, and the way its organization and dynamics are shaped by microtubule-related proteins.
Topics: Animals; Biological Transport; Cell Differentiation; Cytoskeleton; Humans; Microtubules; Neurons
PubMed: 26247859
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.05.046 -
Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology Aug 2022Microtubules are polarized cytoskeletal filaments that serve as tracks for intracellular transport and form a scaffold that positions organelles and other cellular... (Review)
Review
Microtubules are polarized cytoskeletal filaments that serve as tracks for intracellular transport and form a scaffold that positions organelles and other cellular components and modulates cell shape and mechanics. In animal cells, the geometry, density and directionality of microtubule networks are major determinants of cellular architecture, polarity and proliferation. In dividing cells, microtubules form bipolar spindles that pull chromosomes apart, whereas in interphase cells, microtubules are organized in a cell type-specific fashion, which strongly correlates with cell physiology. In motile cells, such as fibroblasts and immune cells, microtubules are organized as radial asters, whereas in immotile epithelial and neuronal cells and in muscles, microtubules form parallel or antiparallel arrays and cortical meshworks. Here, we review recent work addressing how the formation of such microtubule networks is driven by the plethora of microtubule regulatory proteins. These include proteins that nucleate or anchor microtubule ends at different cellular structures and those that sever or move microtubules, as well as regulators of microtubule elongation, stability, bundling or modifications. The emerging picture, although still very incomplete, shows a remarkable diversity of cell-specific mechanisms that employ conserved building blocks to adjust microtubule organization in order to facilitate different cellular functions.
Topics: Animals; Biological Transport; Cell Differentiation; Cytoskeleton; Microtubule-Associated Proteins; Microtubules; Organelles
PubMed: 35383336
DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00473-y -
Cell Jun 2023Sperm motility is crucial to reproductive success in sexually reproducing organisms. Impaired sperm movement causes male infertility, which is increasing globally. Sperm...
Sperm motility is crucial to reproductive success in sexually reproducing organisms. Impaired sperm movement causes male infertility, which is increasing globally. Sperm are powered by a microtubule-based molecular machine-the axoneme-but it is unclear how axonemal microtubules are ornamented to support motility in diverse fertilization environments. Here, we present high-resolution structures of native axonemal doublet microtubules (DMTs) from sea urchin and bovine sperm, representing external and internal fertilizers. We identify >60 proteins decorating sperm DMTs; at least 15 are sperm associated and 16 are linked to infertility. By comparing DMTs across species and cell types, we define core microtubule inner proteins (MIPs) and analyze evolution of the tektin bundle. We identify conserved axonemal microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) with unique tubulin-binding modes. Additionally, we identify a testis-specific serine/threonine kinase that links DMTs to outer dense fibers in mammalian sperm. Our study provides structural foundations for understanding sperm evolution, motility, and dysfunction at a molecular level.
Topics: Male; Animals; Cattle; Sperm Tail; Sperm Motility; Semen; Microtubules; Axoneme; Spermatozoa; Mammals
PubMed: 37327785
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.05.026 -
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Sep 2014This review focuses on a relatively new class of microtubule stabilizers, the taccalonolides. The taccalonolides are highly oxygenated pentacyclic steroids isolated from... (Review)
Review
This review focuses on a relatively new class of microtubule stabilizers, the taccalonolides. The taccalonolides are highly oxygenated pentacyclic steroids isolated from plants of the genus Tacca. Originally identified in a cell-based phenotypic screen, the taccalonolides have many properties similar to other microtubule stabilizers. They increase the density of interphase microtubules, causing microtubule bundling, and form abnormal multi-polar mitotic spindles leading to mitotic arrest and, ultimately, apoptosis. However, the taccalonolides differ from other microtubule stabilizers in that they retain efficacy in taxane resistant cell lines and in vivo models. Binding studies with the newly identified, potent taccalonolide AJ demonstrated covalent binding to β-tubulin at or near the luminal and/or pore taxane binding site(s) which stabilizes microtubule protofilaments in a unique manner as compared to other microtubule stabilizers. The isolation and semi-synthesis of 21 taccalonolides helped to identify key structure activity relationships and the importance of multiple regions across the taccalonolide skeleton for optimal biological potency.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Humans; Microtubules; Models, Molecular; Molecular Conformation; Steroids; Structure-Activity Relationship; Tubulin Modulators
PubMed: 24491636
DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2014.01.012 -
Cell Nov 2021Dynein-decorated doublet microtubules (DMTs) are critical components of the oscillatory molecular machine of cilia, the axoneme, and have luminal surfaces patterned...
Dynein-decorated doublet microtubules (DMTs) are critical components of the oscillatory molecular machine of cilia, the axoneme, and have luminal surfaces patterned periodically by microtubule inner proteins (MIPs). Here we present an atomic model of the 48-nm repeat of a mammalian DMT, derived from a cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) map of the complex isolated from bovine respiratory cilia. The structure uncovers principles of doublet microtubule organization and features specific to vertebrate cilia, including previously unknown MIPs, a luminal bundle of tektin filaments, and a pentameric dynein-docking complex. We identify a mechanism for bridging 48- to 24-nm periodicity across the microtubule wall and show that loss of the proteins involved causes defective ciliary motility and laterality abnormalities in zebrafish and mice. Our structure identifies candidate genes for diagnosis of ciliopathies and provides a framework to understand their functions in driving ciliary motility.
Topics: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Cattle; Cilia; Cryoelectron Microscopy; Dyneins; Embryo, Mammalian; Female; Male; Mammals; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Microtubule Proteins; Microtubules; Models, Molecular; Mutation; Proteins; Trachea; Zebrafish; Zebrafish Proteins; Mice
PubMed: 34715025
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.10.007 -
Cell Jun 2023Inside sperm flagella, there are nine doublet microtubules composed of A and B tubules. In this issue of Cell, Leung et al. and Zhou et al. present high-resolution...
Inside sperm flagella, there are nine doublet microtubules composed of A and B tubules. In this issue of Cell, Leung et al. and Zhou et al. present high-resolution cryo-EM structures of doublet microtubules from mammalian sperms and show unprecedented structures of the A tubules, which are almost entirely occupied with tektin bundles.
Topics: Animals; Male; Semen; Microtubules; Microtubule Proteins; Sperm Tail; Flagella; Mammals
PubMed: 37352832
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.05.018 -
Biochemical Society Transactions Feb 2015Human cells express 45 kinesins, microtubule motors that transport a variety of molecules and organelles within the cell. Many kinesins also modulate the tracks they... (Review)
Review
Human cells express 45 kinesins, microtubule motors that transport a variety of molecules and organelles within the cell. Many kinesins also modulate the tracks they move on by either bundling or sliding or regulating the dynamic assembly and disassembly of the microtubule polymer. In migrating cells, microtubules control the asymmetry between the front and rear of the cell by differentially regulating force generation processes and substrate adhesion. Many of these functions are mediated by kinesins, transporters as well as track modulators. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on kinesin functions in cell migration.
Topics: Cell Adhesion; Cell Movement; Humans; Kinesins; Microtubules; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 25619249
DOI: 10.1042/BST20140280 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2021Primary cilia are non-motile, cell cycle-associated organelles that can be found on most vertebrate cell types. Comprised of microtubule bundles organised into an... (Review)
Review
Primary cilia are non-motile, cell cycle-associated organelles that can be found on most vertebrate cell types. Comprised of microtubule bundles organised into an axoneme and anchored by a mature centriole or basal body, primary cilia are dynamic signalling platforms that are intimately involved in cellular responses to their extracellular milieu. Defects in ciliogenesis or dysfunction in cilia signalling underlie a host of developmental disorders collectively referred to as ciliopathies, reinforcing important roles for cilia in human health. Whilst primary cilia have long been recognised to be present in striated muscle, their role in muscle is not well understood. However, recent studies indicate important contributions, particularly in skeletal muscle, that have to date remained underappreciated. Here, we explore recent revelations that the sensory and signalling functions of cilia on muscle progenitors regulate cell cycle progression, trigger differentiation and maintain a commitment to myogenesis. Cilia disassembly is initiated during myoblast fusion. However, the remnants of primary cilia persist in multi-nucleated myotubes, and we discuss their potential role in late-stage differentiation and myofiber formation. Reciprocal interactions between cilia and the extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment described for other tissues may also inform on parallel interactions in skeletal muscle. We also discuss emerging evidence that cilia on fibroblasts/fibro-adipogenic progenitors and myofibroblasts may influence cell fate in both a cell autonomous and non-autonomous manner with critical consequences for skeletal muscle ageing and repair in response to injury and disease. This review addresses the enigmatic but emerging role of primary cilia in satellite cells in myoblasts and myofibers during myogenesis, as well as the wider tissue microenvironment required for skeletal muscle formation and homeostasis.
Topics: Animals; Axoneme; Cell Cycle; Cell Differentiation; Centrosome; Cilia; Cytoskeleton; Extracellular Matrix; Humans; Muscle Development; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal; Muscle, Skeletal; Myoblasts; Organelles; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 34502512
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179605 -
Physical Review. E Jul 2019During mitosis, microtubules form a spindle, which is responsible for proper segregation of the genetic material. A common structural element in a mitotic spindle is a...
During mitosis, microtubules form a spindle, which is responsible for proper segregation of the genetic material. A common structural element in a mitotic spindle is a parallel bundle, consisting of two or more microtubules growing from the same origin and held together by cross-linking proteins. An interesting question is what are the physical principles underlying the formation and stability of such microtubule bundles. Here we show, by introducing the pivot-and-bond model, that random angular movement of microtubules around the spindle pole and forces exerted by cross-linking proteins can explain the formation of microtubule bundles as observed in our experiments. The model predicts that stable parallel bundles can form in the presence of either passive crosslinkers or plus-end directed motors, but not minus-end directed motors. In the cases where bundles form, the time needed for their formation depends mainly on the concentration of cross-linking proteins and the angular diffusion of the microtubule. In conclusion, the angular motion drives the alignment of microtubules, which in turn allows the cross-linking proteins to connect the microtubules into a stable bundle.
Topics: Microtubules; Models, Molecular; Molecular Motor Proteins; Movement
PubMed: 31499770
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.100.012403 -
Advances in Experimental Medicine and... 2017Adhesion, segregation, and cellular plasticity are regulated by actin filaments anchored at the plaques of adherens junctions, sites of mechanical stabilization, and... (Review)
Review
Adhesion, segregation, and cellular plasticity are regulated by actin filaments anchored at the plaques of adherens junctions, sites of mechanical stabilization, and interfaces of multiple signaling networks. Drebrins were originally identified in neuronal cells, but the isoform drebrin E was also detected at adherens junctions of a wide range of non-neuronal cells, including polarized epithelia, endothelia, and fibroblasts. Here the protein is enriched at actin filament bundles associated with junctional plaques. Polarized epithelial cells contain two types of actin-associated complexes, one comprising drebrin but not vinculin and the other involving vinculin, but not drebrin. At gap junctions drebrin interacts with connexin 43, stabilizes this protein at membranes, and links it to the actin cytoskeleton. In vivo drebrin is widespread in diverse non-neuronal tissues of epithelial, endothelial, and smooth muscle origin, but not ubiquitous. In intestinal cells it is involved in cell compaction, linking of actin filaments to microtubules and formation and stabilization of the terminal web. Upregulation of drebrin was noted in several types of cancers, e.g., basal cell carcinomas for which it may serve as marker, liver metastases of colon carcinomas, and bladder cancer, suggesting that it is involved in regulating actin dynamics during tumor development, progression, and metastasis.
Topics: Actin Cytoskeleton; Adherens Junctions; Animals; Biomarkers, Tumor; Connexin 43; Humans; Microtubules; Neoplasms; Neuropeptides; Protein Interaction Maps; Vinculin
PubMed: 28865028
DOI: 10.1007/978-4-431-56550-5_18