Mechanisms of microtubule dynamics and force generation examined with computational modeling and electron cryotomography.

ABSTRACT: Microtubules are dynamic tubulin polymers responsible for many cellular processes, including the capture and segregation of chromosomes during mitosis. In contrast to textbook models of tubulin self-assembly, we have recently demonstrated that microtubules elongate by addition of bent guanosine triphosphate tubulin to the tips of curving protofilaments. Here we explore this mechanism of microtubule growth using Brownian dynamics modeling and electron cryotomography. The previously described flaring shapes of growing microtubule tips are remarkably consistent under various assembly conditions, including different tubulin concentrations, the presence or absence of a polymerization catalyst or tubulin-binding drugs. Simulations indicate that development of substantial forces during microtubul

SUBMITTER: Gudimchuk NB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7387542 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature