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Lattice defects induce microtubule self-renewal.

ABSTRACT: Microtubules are dynamic polymers, which grow and shrink by addition and removal of tubulin dimers at their extremities. Within the microtubule shaft, dimers adopt a densely packed and highly ordered crystal-like lattice structure, which is generally not considered to be dynamic. Here we report that thermal forces are sufficient to remodel the microtubule shaft, despite its apparent stability. Our combined experimental data and numerical simulations on lattice dynamics and structure suggest that dimers can spontaneously leave and be incorporated into the lattice at structural defects. We propose a model mechanism, where the lattice dynamics is initiated via a passive breathing mechanism at dislocations, which are frequent in rapidly growing microtubules. These results show that we may need to extend the concept of dissipative dynamics, previously established for microtubule extremities, to the entire shaft, instead of considering it as a passive material.

SUBMITTER: Schaedel L

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6924994 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Lattice defects induce microtubule self-renewal.

Schaedel Laura L Triclin Sarah S Chrétien Denis D Abrieu Ariane A Aumeier Charlotte C Gaillard Jérémie J Blanchoin Laurent L Théry Manuel M John Karin K

Nature physics 20190603 8

Microtubules are dynamic polymers, which grow and shrink by addition and removal of tubulin dimers at their extremities. Within the microtubule shaft, dimers adopt a densely packed and highly ordered crystal-like lattice structure, which is generally not considered to be dynamic. Here we report that thermal forces are sufficient to remodel the microtubule shaft, despite its apparent stability. Our combined experimental data and numerical simulations on lattice dynamics and structure suggest that ...[more]

PMID: 31867047

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