Articles tagged with Microtubules
Researchers have determined how cells regulate microtubule attachments during cell division, a process critical for proper chromosomal distribution. The system relies on phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of key proteins, controlled by enzymes Aurora B and PP1, to correct attachment problems and maintain accurate chromosome separation.
Cancer cells require actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments to break through the basement membrane and escape. The study found that these components collaborate in a specific order to facilitate metastasis.
A University of Utah researcher helped discover how a protein motor works with two other proteins to move nerve cells and components inside them. Mutant LIS1 has been linked to the classic form of lissencephaly, a devastating brain malformation due to defective migration of nerve cells within the developing brain.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have made the closest look yet at kinesin protein's structural changes as it ferries molecules within cells. The high-resolution snapshots show kinesin moving up and down like a seesaw, propelled by an energy-giving compound called ATP.
Researchers have discovered that fruit fly neurons can rebuild themselves after injury, with a structurally and functionally different component replacing the damaged part. The study reveals a dynamic microtubule response, where dendrites convert to axons, offering potential avenues for understanding axon regeneration.
Researchers have identified a new molecular mechanism underlying Anaphase B, a previously understudied stage of cell division. The discovery has implications for understanding chromosome abnormalities and their link to cancer.
Researchers used laser tweezers to measure the friction between a single motor protein molecule and its track, showing that proteins work against resistance like macroscopic machines. The findings provide insight into the efficiency of kinesin motors and their role in cell division and muscle function.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients lack the protein dystrophin, which protects muscle cells by connecting to filament types. The new study reveals microtubules become disorganized when dystrophin is missing, contributing to devastating symptoms.
Research finds stalled microtubules in cells with faulty dynamin 2 protein, leading to reduced nerve impulse strength and slowed movement. The stable microtubules disrupt normal cellular processes, including the formation of the Golgi complex.
A study published in Nature Cell Biology has shed light on the protein network that provides scaffolding for cell-wall structure and delivers growth-promoting molecules. The research discovered a novel mechanism by which microtubules guide cellulose synthase complexes to their place of action.
A team of University of Washington scientists has uncovered the basis for the strong yet dynamic attachment of spindle fibers to kinetochores, a site on each chromosome that mechanically couples to spindle fibers. This discovery sheds light on how chromosomes are accurately and evenly divided during cell division.
Researchers used Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy to analyze the structure of Tau, identifying structural properties and fast motions. This breakthrough provides insights into how phosphorylation alters binding to microtubules, leading to nerve cell damage.
A Mayo Clinic-led international consortium discovered a genetic defect in the dynactin complex that may help explain neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The mechanism implicated in Perry syndrome, a rare disorder, may also shed light on common depression and sleep disorders.
A team of Dartmouth researchers has found a new function for the protein NOD, which plays a crucial role in chromosome segregation during cell division. This discovery contributes to our understanding of how cell functions can go wrong, particularly in cancerous cells.
MIT engineers have discovered that a specific region of the kinesin protein generates the force needed for its movement. The research, published in PNAS, sheds light on how this protein enables functions such as cell division and may one day aid in developing therapies for diseases like cancer.
Researchers discovered a molecule called ACF7 that helps regulate and power cell movement along the extracellular matrix. Without ACF7, cellular movement slows down, suggesting its importance in preventing cancer cell migration and metastasis.
Researchers at the University of Bath discovered that RASSF7 is crucial for building microtubules during mitosis, a process that allows cells to divide in two. Without this protein, cell division is halted, highlighting its potential as a future cancer treatment target.
In a tug-of-war-like mechanism, opposing motor teams determine the direction of cargo transport in cells. The winning team transports cargo quickly, while losing motors are removed from the microtubule.
Researchers at EMBL and AMOLF discovered a new experimental approach to study microtubule end tracking proteins, which are crucial for cell shape development. The study sheds light on the interaction between proteins and the cell's skeleton, revealing how +TIPs recognize dynamic microtubule ends.
A team of scientists from EMBL has uncovered the assembly mechanism of a bipolar spindle in oocytes, allowing them to accurately separate chromosomes. This process is crucial for proper egg development and fertilization.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered that the Golgi apparatus is a novel source of microtubules in cells, which are crucial for cell movement and division. This finding could lead to new insights into cancer cell invasion and treatment strategies.
Scientists at EMBL discovered that microtubule interactions with the cell cortex drive asymmetric cell division in nematode worms. The study reveals a pulling force generated by cortical filaments, which could apply to other organisms and contexts such as stem cell renewal.
Researchers have created the first 3D visualization of a complete eukaryotic cell at high resolution, enabling them to investigate its structural details. The study reveals new insights into microtubule dynamics and their interactions with other cellular structures.
A study published in Cell reveals that microtubules rely on a balance between molecular motors and brakes to form stable structures. This cooperation enables the creation of microtubule arrays with defined lengths, which is crucial for basic cellular functions such as cell division and transport.
A new study uses visual immunoprecipitation to reveal the regulation of microtubule dynamics via coordinated changes in protein interactions. Microtubules become dynamic during mitosis due to the release of a destabilizer molecule.
A new study reveals that Mal3p binds to the seam of microtubules, stabilising them and regulating cellular transport. This discovery sheds light on how similar processes work in humans, where Mal3p's human counterpart plays a role in various clinical conditions.
Researchers at MPI-CBG defined the distance between Kinesin-1 and microtubules, explaining how it avoids collisions. This finding sheds light on refined motor proteins' ability to navigate cells efficiently.
A team of researchers has captured images of molecular motors' structural changes using electron microscopy. The findings provide insights into the mechanisms behind these tiny molecules' movements, which power cellular processes like cell division.
Brown University physicists discover that chemical bonding and mechanical instability lead to the formation of zebra-striped patterns in microtubules. This finding provides insight into how shapes are created in living organisms.
A team of biophysicists discovered that microtubules, essential structural elements in living cells, become stiffer as they grow longer. This unique property has the potential to inspire the design of novel materials based on this biological structure.
Researchers discovered that molecular motors use one-dimensional diffusion to rapidly target microtubule ends. This strategy allows for efficient and accurate localization of microtubule ends, crucial for chromosome distribution during cell division.
Scientists at Delft University of Technology successfully controlled and addressed individual microtubules by applying electrical forces to steer them towards specific directions. This breakthrough allows for efficient transportation of molecules within biological cells, opening new avenues for nanotechnology applications.
For the first time, researchers have tracked cellulose fiber formation in real-time, providing evidence of a functional connection between cellulose synthase and microtubules. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for designing energy-rich biofuel crops and improved fiber crops.
UB researchers have discovered an agent, L-AP4, that activates group III metabotropic glutamate receptors and reverses damage caused by rotenone. The findings could lead to a new treatment for Parkinson's disease.
Rutgers researcher Shumyatsky has identified a new gene that controls both learned and innate fear, which may lead to the development of new anti-anxiety agents. The discovery was made through a combination of mouse genetics, cellular electrophysiology, and behavior studies.
Destabilization of microtubules interferes with NMDA receptor action, affecting cognition and emotion. Dysfunction of this regulation may provide a potential mechanism underlying many mental disorders.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have identified microtubules as a critical target for treating Parkinson's disease, which is caused by damage to these intracellular highways. The study found that protecting microtubules can prevent the toxic effects of rotenone on dopamine-producing neurons.
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have developed 'smart' bio-nanotubes that can encapsulate and release drugs in specific locations. The nanotubes were created using lipid bilayer membranes and microtubules from cell cytoskeletons.
Researchers at European Molecular Biology Laboratory discovered that actin fibres are necessary to help microtubules transport chromosomes during cell division. In a study using starfish oocytes, the team found that actin networks gather chromosomes together before they can be pulled by microtubules.
The study reveals the forms taken by transitional structures of tubulin during microtubule assembly and disassembly, providing a new understanding of microtubule dynamic instability. The binding of GTP controls activity at the growing end of the microtubule, enabling rapid growth followed by sudden shrinking.
A new enzyme group has been identified that attaches an unusual molecular tag to microtubules, directing motor proteins to specific destinations. This discovery paves the way for further research on polyglutamylate modification and its role in cellular traffic.
A team of researchers has identified a key mechanism in genetic inheritance during cell division, where kinetochore proteins form rings around microtubules to promote assembly, stability, and bundling. This ring formation may be essential for maintaining chromosome segregation during mitosis.
Researchers found that Paxceed increased protein travel down spinal axons and improved microtubule density in tau transgenic mice. The drug also reduced motor impairment in the mice.
Researchers found that mutated parkin genes combined with rotenone damage microtubules, disrupting dopamine transport and causing free radical release. This study may lead to novel therapies for Parkinson's disease by stabilizing microtubules against pesticide toxins.
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara discovered a new type of microtubule assembly, resulting in a 'living necklace' phase. This discovery has implications for the development of vehicles for chemical, drug, and gene delivery, as well as templates for nanosized wires and optical materials.
Researchers have discovered a common binding site on tubulin protein crucial to cell division, providing more options for developing effective anti-cancer drugs. This finding could lead to the creation of safer and more effective artificial forms of existing compounds.
Researchers developed a genetic model for familial spastic paraparesis, identifying the role of spastin in nerve communication. The study found that pharmacological treatments can restore normal nerve function by stabilizing microtubule activity.
A genetic model for hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) disease has been developed, showing that the spastin gene regulates microtubule stability to modulate synaptic structure and function. The study found that specific drugs can remedy defects in synaptic function caused by changes in neuronal spastin levels.
A team of researchers has successfully enhanced the structure of paclitaxel, a widely used anticancer drug, to make it more effective against cancer cells. The new design, validated by computer modeling and experiments, results in an analog that is 20 times more active than natural paclitaxel in one assay.
A team of scientists found that a single genetic mutation in the BBS4 protein can cause complex disorders like obesity, diabetes, and retinal degeneration. The researchers discovered that the mutation affects microtubule function, which is essential for cellular division and cell death.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new paclitaxel analog that is more effective than the natural compound in killing cancer cells. The analog has been shown to be up to 20 times more active in one assay and three times more deadly to cancer cells than current treatments.
UVa researchers have identified a mechanism that can correct improper microtubule attachments during cell division. A protein called Aurora B loads MCAK onto the chromosome in an inactive state, which is activated to remove improperly attached microtubules.
Researchers discovered that kinesin molecules walk with a limp gait, taking asymmetric steps instead of regular strides. This finding has implications for understanding protein transport and potential therapies for diseases such as Huntington's and Alzheimer's.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Sharyn Endow at Duke University Medical Center has discovered the power stroke that drives molecular motors, which transport nutrients around cells or herd chromosomes during cell division. This breakthrough could help understand diseases like Down's syndrome and prevent them.
Anthony Hyman, group leader at Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, wins prestigious EMBO Gold Medal. His research focuses on microtubules' role in cell division, shedding light on their dynamics and functions.
UCSB scientists propose a new model for neuronal cell death in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting tau dysfunction leads to abnormal microtubule dynamics. This new theory has important implications for developing effective drugs to treat the disease.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden and EMBL in Heidelberg have counted the number of proteins that help an egg cell divide. They found that there are more motors pulling on one side, which can pull the centrosome off-center, leading to proper development of the embryo.
A new imaging technique, using second harmonic generation microscopy, allows for the observation of microtubule polarity in living brain tissue. This enables researchers to study neuronal development and repair, as well as neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Stanford University have witnessed the birth and growth of individual microtubules in plant cells, discovering a unique process called treadmilling. This process involves the addition and removal of protein subunits from the microtubule ends, leading to its movement across the cell.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution and Stanford University used green fluorescent protein tagging to observe microtubule formation and movement in living plant cells. They found that most new microtubules are born at multiple sites directly at the cortex, and migrate around by growing at their leading ends.