CLASP modulates microtubule-cortex interaction during self-organization of acentrosomal microtubules.

ABSTRACT: CLASP proteins associate with either the plus ends or sidewalls of microtubules depending on the subcellular location and cell type. In plant cells, CLASP's distribution along the full length of microtubules corresponds with the uniform anchorage of microtubules to the cell cortex. Using live cell imaging, we show here that loss of CLASP in Arabidopsis thaliana results in partial detachment of microtubules from the cortex. The detached portions undergo extensive waving, distortion, and changes in orientation, particularly when exposed to the forces of cytoplasmic streaming. These deviations from the normal linear polymerization trajectories increase the likelihood of intermicrotubule encounters that are favorable for subsequent bundle formation. Consistent with this, cortical microtubules

SUBMITTER: Ambrose JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2575154 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature