Tubulin sequence divergence is associated with the use of distinct microtubule regulators.

ABSTRACT: Diverse eukaryotic cells assemble microtubule networks that vary in structure and composition. While we understand how cells build microtubule networks with specialized functions, we do not know how microtubule networks diversify across deep evolutionary timescales. This problem has remained unresolved because most organisms use shared pools of tubulins for multiple networks, making it difficult to trace the evolution of any single network. In contrast, the amoeboflagellate Naegleria expresses distinct tubulin genes to build distinct microtubule networks: while Naegleria builds flagella from conserved tubulins during differentiation, it uses divergent tubulins to build its mitotic spindle. This genetic separation makes for an internally controlled system to study independent microtubule ne

SUBMITTER: Kennard AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11753955 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature