Microtubule Destruction and Self-repair: Self-renewal of Microtubule Lattice by Biomolecular Motors

Abstract

Microtubules have a unique dynamic behavior of stochastically switching between polymerization and depolymerization processes in the regulation of the cytoskeleton. Most previous researches have focused on the dynamics at microtubule ends. However, recent studies have found that the dynamics of microtubules occur in their shaft and regulate the microtubule stability and mechanical properties. Here, we review the latest researches describing the microtubule shaft dynamics and introduce our present work that reveals the microtubule shaft renewal by biomolecular motors.