The Unstable Lattice: A New Model for Microtubule Tip Dynamics
A new study in Biophysical Journal provides a detailed mechanistic model for the formation of protofilament clusters at the growing tips of microtubules. These dynamic cytoskeletal filaments, composed of α- and β-tubulin dimers, are essential for cell structure, intracellular transport, and chromosome segregation. The research posits that a fundamental lattice instability drives the clustering of protofilaments, offering a fresh perspective on the microscopic underpinnings of microtubule dynamic instability, a process critical to its cellular functions.
Why it might matter to you: This work advances the fundamental understanding of cytoskeleton regulation, a core pillar of cell biology. For researchers focused on cell division, motility, or intracellular trafficking, this model provides a new framework for interpreting experimental data on microtubule behavior. It could also inform the development of targeted therapies that aim to modulate microtubule dynamics in conditions like cancer.
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