scholarly journals Microtubule dynamics is required for rapid coiling of haptonemata in haptophyte algae

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mami Nomura ◽  
Kohei Atsuji ◽  
Keiko Hirose ◽  
Kogiku Shiba ◽  
Takeshi Nakayama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Changes ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Mechanical Stimulus ◽  
Proximal Region ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Left Handed ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Summary Statement ◽  
Coiling Process ◽  
Microtubule Stabilizer

ABSTRACTA haptonema is an elongated microtubule-based motile organelle uniquely present in haptophytes. The most notable and rapid movement of a haptonema is “coiling”, which occurs within a few milliseconds following mechanical stimulation in an unknown motor-independent mechanism. Here, we analyzed the coiling process in detail by high-speed filming and showed that haptonema coiling was initiated by left-handed twisting of the haptonema, followed by writhing to form a helix from the distal tip. On recovery from a mechanical stimulus, the helix slowly uncoiled from the proximal region. Electron microscopy showed that the seven microtubules in a haptonema were arranged mostly in parallel but that one of the microtubules often wound around the others in the extended state. The persistence lengths calculated from the curvature of the haptonematal microtubules indicated their unusual flexibility. A microtubule stabilizer, paclitaxel, inhibited coiling and induced right-handed twisting of the haptonema in the absence of Ca2+, suggesting changes in the microtubule surface lattice. Addition of Ca2+ caused bend propagation toward the proximal region. These results indicate that switching microtubule conformation with the aid of Ca2+-binding microtubule-associated proteins is responsible for rapid haptonematal coiling.Summary StatementMicroscopy observations and pharmacological experiments revealed that the rapid coiling of a non-motor microtubule-based motile organelle, the haptonema, is explained by conformational changes of microtubules, including twisting and writhing.

scholarly journals MAP6 is an intraluminal protein that induces neuronal microtubules to coil

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (14) ◽  
pp. eaaz4344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camille Cuveillier ◽  
Julie Delaroche ◽  
Maxime Seggio ◽  
Sylvie Gory-Fauré ◽  
Christophe Bosc ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Mechanical Stress ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Left Handed ◽  
Neuronal Processes ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
The Face ◽  
Cold Stability

Neuronal activities depend heavily on microtubules, which shape neuronal processes and transport myriad molecules within them. Although constantly remodeled through growth and shrinkage events, neuronal microtubules must be sufficiently stable to maintain nervous system wiring. This stability is somehow maintained by various microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), but little is known about how these proteins work. Here, we show that MAP6, previously known to confer cold stability to microtubules, promotes growth. More unexpectedly, MAP6 localizes in the lumen of microtubules, induces the microtubules to coil into a left-handed helix, and forms apertures in the lattice, likely to relieve mechanical stress. These features have not been seen in microtubules before and could play roles in maintaining axonal width or providing flexibility in the face of compressive forces during development.

scholarly journals Inner lumen proteins stabilize doublet microtubules in cilia/flagella

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikito Owa ◽  
Takayuki Uchihashi ◽  
Haruaki Yanagisawa ◽  
Takashi Yamano ◽  
Hiro Iguchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Electron Tomography ◽  
Intraflagellar Transport ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
New Class ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Axonemal Dynein ◽  
Motile Cilia

AbstractMotile cilia are microtubule-based organelles that play important roles in most eukaryotes. Although it is known that microtubules in cilia are sufficiently stable to withstand their beating motion, it remains unknown how they are stabilized while serving as tracks for axonemal dynein and intraflagellar transport. To address this question, we identified a new class of microtubule-associated proteins, named FAP45 and FAP52, in Chlamydomonas. These proteins are conserved among eukaryotes with motile cilia. Using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) and high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM), we established that lack of these proteins leads to a loss of inner protrusions in B-tubules and less stable microtubules. These inner protrusions are located near the inner junctions of doublet microtubules and lack of FAP45, FAP52, and FAP20 results in detachment of the B-tubule from the A-tubule, as well as flagellar shortening. These results demonstrated that FAP45 and FAP52 bind to the inside of microtubules and stabilize ciliary axonemes.

Characterization of microtubules by dark-field STEM and replication

1991 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
pp. 152-153
Author(s):  
S.B. Andrews ◽  
R.D. Leapman ◽  
P.E. Gallant ◽  
T.S. Reese
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Unit Length ◽  
Dark Field ◽  
Carbon Films ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Molecular Weights ◽  
Freeze Dried ◽  
Protein Motors ◽  
Associated Proteins

As part of a study on protein interactions involved in microtubule (MT)-based transport, we used the VG HB501 field-emission STEM to obtain low-dose dark-field mass maps of isolated, taxol-stabilized MTs and correlated these micrographs with detailed stereo images from replicas of the same MTs. This approach promises to be useful for determining how protein motors interact with MTs. MTs prepared from bovine and squid brain tubulin were purified and free from microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). These MTs (0.1-1 mg/ml tubulin) were adsorbed to 3-nm evaporated carbon films supported over Formvar nets on 600-m copper grids. Following adsorption, the grids were washed twice in buffer and then in either distilled water or in isotonic or hypotonic ammonium acetate, blotted, and plunge-frozen in ethane/propane cryogen (ca. -185 C). After cryotransfer into the STEM, specimens were freeze-dried and recooled to ca.-160 C for low-dose (<3000 e/nm2) dark-field mapping. The molecular weights per unit length of MT were determined relative to tobacco mosaic virus standards from elastic scattering intensities. Parallel grids were freeze-dried and rotary shadowed with Pt/C at 14°.

Filaments and membranes in the mitotic apparatus

1983 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 544-547
Author(s):  
Kent McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Intermediate Filaments ◽  
Mitotic Spindle ◽  
Mitotic Apparatus ◽  
Light Microscope Level ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Force Generator ◽  
Spindle Function ◽  
Antibody Technology

At the light microscope level the recent developments and interest in antibody technology have permitted the localization of certain non-microtubule proteins within the mitotic spindle, e.g., calmodulin, actin, intermediate filaments, protein kinases and various microtubule associated proteins. Also, the use of fluorescent probes like chlorotetracycline suggest the presence of membranes in the spindle. Localization of non-microtubule structures in the spindle at the EM level has been less rewarding. Some mitosis researchers, e.g., Rarer, have maintained that actin is involved in mitosis movements though the bulk of evidence argues against this interpretation. Others suggest that a microtrabecular network such as found in chromatophore granule movement might be a possible force generator but there is little evidence for or against this view. At the level of regulation of spindle function, Harris and more recently Hepler have argued for the importance of studying spindle membranes. Hepler also believes that membranes might play a structural or mechanical role in moving chromosomes.

Analysis of the Mechanism of Microtubule Dynamic Instability Using a UV Microbeam to Sever Elongating Microtubules

1988 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 122-123
Author(s):  
R.A Walker ◽  
S. Inoue ◽  
E.D. Salmon
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Instability ◽  
Microtubule Dynamic ◽  
Gtp Hydrolysis ◽  
Abrupt Transition ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Asymmetrical Structure ◽  
Associated Proteins

Microtubules polymerized in vitro from tubulin purified free of microtubule-associated proteins exhibit dynamic instability (1,2,3). Free microtubule ends exist in persistent phases of elongation or rapid shortening with infrequent, but, abrupt transitions between these phases. The abrupt transition from elongation to rapid shortening is termed catastrophe and the abrupt transition from rapid shortening to elongation is termed rescue. A microtubule is an asymmetrical structure. The plus end grows faster than the minus end. The frequency of catastrophe of the plus end is somewhat greater than the minus end, while the frequency of rescue of the plus end in much lower than for the minus end (4).The mechanism of catastrophe is controversial, but for both the plus and minus microtubule ends, catastrophe is thought to be dependent on GTP hydrolysis. Microtubule elongation occurs by the association of tubulin-GTP subunits to the growing end. Sometime after incorporation into an elongating microtubule end, the GTP is hydrolyzed to GDP, yielding a core of tubulin-GDP capped by tubulin-GTP (“GTP-cap”).

Molecular architecture and functions of the neuronal cytoskeleton

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 2-3
Author(s):  
Nobutaka Hirokawa
Keyword(s):  
Major Elements ◽  
Molecular Structures ◽  
Organelle Transport ◽  
Molecular Architecture ◽  
Neuronal Morphogenesis ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
And Function ◽  
Small Clusters

In this symposium I will present our studies about the molecular architecture and function of the cytomatrix of the nerve cells. The nerve cell is a highly polarized cell composed of highly branched dendrites, cell body, and a single long axon along the direction of the impulse propagation. Each part of the neuron takes characteristic shapes for which the cytoskeleton provides the framework. The neuronal cytoskeletons play important roles on neuronal morphogenesis, organelle transport and the synaptic transmission. In the axon neurofilaments (NF) form dense arrays, while microtubules (MT) are arranged as small clusters among the NFs. On the other hand, MTs are distributed uniformly, whereas NFs tend to run solitarily or form small fascicles in the dendrites Quick freeze deep etch electron microscopy revealed various kinds of strands among MTs, NFs and membranous organelles (MO). These structures form major elements of the cytomatrix in the neuron. To investigate molecular nature and function of these filaments first we studied molecular structures of microtubule associated proteins (MAP1A, MAP1B, MAP2, MAP2C and tau), and microtubules reconstituted from MAPs and tubulin in vitro. These MAPs were all fibrous molecules with different length and formed arm like projections from the microtubule surface.

Microtubule motors and other maps

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Richard B. Vallee
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
High Molecular Weight ◽  
Cytoplasmic Dynein ◽  
Organelle Transport ◽  
Structural Components ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Microtubule Motors ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Intracellular Motility

Microtubules are involved in a number of forms of intracellular motility, including mitosis and bidirectional organelle transport. Purified microtubules from brain and other sources contain tubulin and a diversity of microtubule associated proteins (MAPs). Some of the high molecular weight MAPs - MAP 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B - are long, fibrous molecules that serve as structural components of the cytamatrix. Three MAPs have recently been identified that show microtubule activated ATPase activity and produce force in association with microtubules. These proteins - kinesin, cytoplasmic dynein, and dynamin - are referred to as cytoplasmic motors. The latter two will be the subject of this talk.Cytoplasmic dynein was first identified as one of the high molecular weight brain MAPs, MAP 1C. It was determined to be structurally equivalent to ciliary and flagellar dynein, and to produce force toward the minus ends of microtubules, opposite to kinesin.

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