‘Regulation of microtubule dynamics: seeing proteins and drugs in action’

‘Regulation of microtubule dynamics: seeing proteins and drugs in action’

Speaker: Anna Akhmanova, Cell Biology; Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht Summary of Professor Anna Akhmanova’s research:

Tight control of microtubule dynamics is essential for many cellular processes, including cell division, migration and morphogenesis. Using in vitro reconstitution experiments, Professor Akhmanova's research has explored the detailed mechanisms of such regulation by proteins that interact with the plus ends of cytoplasmic and centriolar microtubules.  She has used assays with fluorescent analogues of microtubule-stabilizing and destabilizing agents to directly visualize their effects on microtubule polymerization. The research found that a single molecule of a microtubule-depolymerizing drug bound to the microtubule tip was sufficient to trigger a catastrophe, whereas microtubule rescue and stabilization required local accumulation of multiple drug molecules. Our results illustrate the diversity and complexity of mechanisms controlling microtubule growth and organization.

More information: http://cellbiology.science.uu.nl/research-groups/anna-akhmanova-cellular-dynamics/