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Dynamic microtubules in Dictyostelium

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Abstract

The term ‘microtubule dynamics’ is often used to describe assembly/disassembly characteristics of this important cytoskeletal polymer. The ability to image microtubules in live Dictyostelium cells has revealed additional dynamic components, acting on the individual assembled tubules. At least two separate forces are involved, in generation of pronounced bending motions during interphase and in creating tension with the cell cortex. This review attempts to summarize what is known about conventional microtubule dynamics in Dictyostelium as well as to describe these two additional motility components. We propose that these forces are important both in maintaining the overall structure of the microtubule array and in supporting intracellular traffic.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Molecular Medicine, Wadsworth Center, Empire State of Plaza, P.O. Box 509, Albany, NY, 12201-0509, USA

    Michael P. Koonce & Alexey Khodjakov

  2. School of Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, Albany, USA

    Michael P. Koonce & Alexey Khodjakov

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  1. Michael P. Koonce
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  2. Alexey Khodjakov
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Koonce, M.P., Khodjakov, A. Dynamic microtubules in Dictyostelium . J Muscle Res Cell Motil 23, 613–619 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024446821701

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