Cytoplasmic microtubules
Cytoplasmic microtubules
Microtubules are essential cytoskeletal polymers that are made of repeatingalpha/beta- Tubulin heterodimers and are present in all eukaryotic cells [1], [2], [3]. Cytoplasmic microtubules are vital forintracellular trafficking of proteins, vesicles and organelles. They also affect cellshape and cell motility [4], [5], [6]. All ofthese functions involve the interaction of microtubules with a large number ofmicrotubule-associated proteins ( MAP2, MAP4, Tau ), which areimportant for the regulation and distribution of microtubules in the cell, microtubuleassembly/disassembly and stability [7]. Microtubules are highly dynamic andtheir dynamic instability is based on the binding and hydrolysis of GTP by tubulinsubunits. Only dimers with GTP can polymerize [8].
Microtubule-associated molecular motors such as Kinesin s, Dynein s andMyosin s are involved in a variety of biological movements, e.g. axoplasmictransport and secretion [9], [10], [11].
The Dynactin complex regulates protein trafficking, movement of lysosomes andendosomes and axonogenesis [12], [13], [14].
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