Experimental evaluation of electrical conductivity of microtubules

Umnov, M.; Palusinski, O.A.; Deymier, Pierre A.; Guzmán, Roberto; Hoying, James B.; Barnaby, Hugh; Yang, Yi; Raghavan, S.

doi:10.1007/s10853-006-1075-7

Cited by 23 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…The reproducibility of tubulin extraction from Arachis hypogaea is confirmed by UV-vis and FTIR spectra. 254 nm and the second peak at 280 nm is consistent with the signature peaks of protein (amide linkages) and especially tubulin as indicated in the literature [41]. Fig.…”

Section: Spectroscopic Analysissupporting

confidence: 90%

“…Isolation buffer and inorganic nanoparticles in isolation buffer, MWCNTs in isolation buffer always responded in cathodic region indicating the reduction process happening in the system whereas tubulin mixed in isolation buffer showed oxidation peak in anodic region. The cathodic peaks shown by isolation buffer at 0.326 V with respect to Ag/AgCl reference electrode is consistent with the leupeptin signature in the electrochemical detection of kinase catalysed phosphorylation using ferrocene conjugated ATP reported in the literature [41]. The presence of suspended graphite encapsulated FeCo nanoparticles reduce the peak height and shifted the peak to 0.156 V whereas MWCNTs showed similar effect with a potential shift of 0.048 V. The cathodic peak vanished and an anodic peak started appearing in the case of a,b-tubulin dimer in the isolation buffer.…”

Section: Cyclic Voltammetrysupporting

confidence: 89%

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Physiochemical Characterization of tubulin from Arachis hypogaea

2016

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Section: Spectroscopic Analysissupporting

confidence: 90%

Section: Cyclic Voltammetrysupporting

confidence: 89%

Physiochemical Characterization of tubulin from Arachis hypogaea

2016

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“…Recently, Umnov et al [26] attempted conductivity measurements of MTs in microchannels containing solution and determined a 90-S/m upper bound on the conductivity of a MT, corresponding to a minimum resistance of 24 M /μm, close to the Fritsche et al [28] result. As well, Minoura and Muto [30] made an attempt to measure the ionic conductivity of MTs using an electric field to orient MTs in solution and found a conductivity of 150 mS/m corresponding to a resistance of 27 G /μm along the MT length.…”

Section: Tubulin's Biophysical Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 64%

“…However, recent advances in nanoscale technologies are improving experimental conditions, allowing for serious investigations to take place. Thus, despite the inherent difficulties, a number of experiments have investigated either the intrinsic [25][26][27][28] or ionic [26,29,30] conductivities of MTs.…”

Section: Tubulin's Biophysical Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A critical assessment of the information processing capabilities of neuronal microtubules using coherent excitations

Craddock

Tuszyński

2009

J Biol Phys

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Evidence for signaling, communication, and conductivity in microtubules (MTs) has been shown through both direct and indirect means, and theoretical models predict their potential use in both classical and quantum information processing in neurons. The notion of quantum information processing within neurons has been implicated in the phenomena of consciousness, although controversies have arisen in regards to adverse physiological temperature effects on these capabilities. To investigate the possibility of quantum processes in relation to information processing in MTs, a biophysical MT model is used based on the electrostatic interior of the tubulin protein. The interior is taken to constitute a double-well potential structure within which a mobile electron is considered capable of occupying at least two distinct quantum states. These excitonic states together with MT lattice vibrations determine the state space of individual tubulin dimers within the MT lattice. Tubulin dimers are taken as quantum well structures containing an electron that can exist in either its ground state or first excited state. Following previous models involving the mechanisms of exciton energy propagation, we estimate the strength of exciton and phonon interactions and their effect on the formation and dynamics of coherent exciton domains within MTs. Also, estimates of energy and timescales for excitons, phonons, their interactions, and thermal effects are presented. Our conclusions cast doubt on the possibility of sufficiently long-lived coherent exciton/phonon structures existing at physiological temperatures in the absence of thermal isolation mechanisms. These results are discussed in comparison with previous models based on quantum effects in non-polar hydrophobic regions, which have yet to be disproved.

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“…Nanotechnology advances have improved techniques allowing more precise investigations to take place. Fortunately, despite the inherent difficulties, a number of experimenters have investigated either the intrinsic [58][59][60] or ionic [61,62] conductivities of MTs.…”

Section: Ionic Signaling Via Cytoskeletal Microtubulesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microtubule Ionic Conduction and Its Implications for Higher Cognitive Functions

Craddock¹,

Tuszyński²,

Priel³

et al. 2010

J. Integr. Neurosci.

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The neuronal cytoskeleton has been hypothesized to play a role in higher cognitive functions including learning, memory and consciousness. Experimental evidence suggests that both microtubules and actin filaments act as biological electrical wires that can transmit and amplify electric signals via the flow of condensed ion clouds. The potential transmission of electrical signals via the cytoskeleton is of extreme importance to the electrical activity of neurons in general. In this regard, the unique structure, geometry and electrostatics of microtubules are discussed with the expected impact on their specific functions within the neuron. Electric circuit models of ionic flow along microtubules are discussed in the context of experimental data, and the specific importance of both the tubulin C-terminal tail regions, and the nano-pore openings lining the microtubule wall is elucidated. Overall, these recent results suggest that ions, condensed around the surface of the major filaments of the cytoskeleton, flow along and through microtubules in the presence of potential differences, thus acting as transmission lines propagating intracellular signals in a given cell. The significance of this conductance to the functioning of the electrically active neuron, and to higher cognitive function is also discussed.

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Experimental evaluation of electrical conductivity of microtubules

Cited by 23 publications

References 8 publications

Physiochemical Characterization of tubulin from Arachis hypogaea

Physiochemical Characterization of tubulin from Arachis hypogaea

A critical assessment of the information processing capabilities of neuronal microtubules using coherent excitations

Microtubule Ionic Conduction and Its Implications for Higher Cognitive Functions

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