Microtubules: Evolving roles and critical cellular interactions

Abstract

Microtubules are cytoskeletal elements known as drivers of directed cell migration, vesicle and organelle trafficking, and mitosis. In this review, we discuss new research in the lens that has shed light into further roles for stable microtubules in the process of development and morphogenesis. In the lens, as well as other systems, distinct roles for characteristically dynamic microtubules and stabilized populations are coming to light. Understanding the mechanisms of microtubule stabilization and the associated microtubule post-translational modifications is an evolving field of study. Appropriate cellular homeostasis relies on not only one cytoskeletal element, but also rather an interaction between cytoskeletal proteins as well as other cellular regulators. Microtubules are key integrators with actin and intermediate filaments, as well as cell–cell junctional proteins and other cellular regulators including myosin and RhoGTPases to maintain this balance. Impact statement The role of microtubules in cellular functioning is constantly expanding. In this review, we examine new and exciting fields of discovery for microtubule’s involvement in morphogenesis, highlight our evolving understanding of differential roles for stabilized versus dynamic subpopulations, and further understanding of microtubules as a cellular integrator.

Cytoskeletal and nucleoskeletal interacting protein networks play critical roles in cellular function and dysfunction

“…In the first article, Logan and Menko 28 review the dynamic and evolving roles of MTs in cellular function, the importance of their interaction with other cytoskeletal structures such as actin, myosin, and IFs, and their function as key integrators with these proteins in cytoskeletal coordination and in regulation of processes involving maintenance of cellular homeostasis. The lens, which grows and develops throughout an organism's life, is used as a model system for gaining greater insight into the expanding role of MTs in cellular functions.…”

Pleiotropic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease and educational attainment: insights from the summary statistics analysis

“…Heavy metal toxicity (e.g., export of heavy metal) has been linked to neurological problems and progressive neurological disorders, including AD, PD, and MS [ 75 ]. In addition, microtubules play important roles in lens fiber cell functions (e.g., abnormal morphology of lens fiber cells) [ 76 ]. Vision problems are the source of behavioral impairments, which impact learning opportunities affecting thus cognition.…”

Micron-scale geometrical features of microtubules as regulators of microtubule organization

“…First, members of the different cytoskeletal families are known to engage in extensive crosstalk. ( Dogterom and Koenderink, 2019 ; Logan and Menko, 2019 ; Seetharaman and Etienne-Manneville, 2020 ). For example, microtubules have been shown to regulate the nucleation, polymerization, and dynamics of the actin network in migrating cells, neuronal growth cones, and dendritic spines.…”