Post-translational modifications of microtubules.

ABSTRACT: Microtubules--polymers of tubulin--perform essential functions, including regulation of cell shape, intracellular transport and cell motility. How microtubules are adapted to perform multiple diverse functions is not well understood. Post-translational modifications of tubulin subunits diversify the outer and luminal surfaces of microtubules and provide a potential mechanism for their functional specialization. Recent identification of a number of tubulin-modifying and -demodifying enzymes has revealed key roles of tubulin modifications in the regulation of motors and factors that affect the organization and dynamics of microtubules.

SUBMITTER: Wloga D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2951466 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature