Interaction of microtubule-associated proteins with microtubules: yeast lysyl- and valyl-tRNA synthetases and .tau. 218-235 synthetic peptide as model systems

The interaction of actin with a synthetic peptide which corresponds to one of the repeated tubulin-binding sites present in tau and MAP-2 (microtubule-associated protein 2) proteins has been analysed. The analysis, which uses affinity chromatography of G-actin on a column containing the synthetic peptide, and the co-sedimentation and co-localization of F-actin and the peptide (as determined by immunoelectron microscopy), indicates that the part of the amino acid sequence of tau involved in the binding of tubulin is also involved in actin binding.

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PAR-1 and the microtubule-associated proteins CLASP2 and dynactin-p50 have specific localisation on mouse meiotic and first mitotic spindles

Reproduction ◽

10.1530/rep.1.00651 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 130 (3) ◽

pp. 311-320 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Catherine A Moore ◽

Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz

Keyword(s):

Polar Body ◽

Model Systems ◽

Regulatory Proteins ◽

Meiotic Spindle ◽

Mitotic Spindles ◽

Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽

Mouse Oocytes ◽

Polar Bodies ◽

Associated Proteins ◽

Second Polar Body

The site of second meiotic division, marked by the second polar body, is an important reference point in the early mouse embryo. To study its formation, we look at the highly asymmetric meiotic divisions. For extrusion of the small polar bodies during meiosis, the spindles must be located cortically. The positioning of meiotic spindles is known to involve the actin cytoskeleton, but whether microtubules are also involved is not clear. In this study we investigated the patterns of localisation of microtubule regulatory proteins in mouse oocytes. PAR-1 is a member of the PAR (partitioning-defective) family with known roles in regulation of microtubule stability and spindle positioning in other model systems. Here we show its specific localisation on mouse meiotic and first mitotic spindles. In addition, the microtubule-associated proteins CLASP2 (a CLIP associating protein) and dynactin-p50 are found on kinetochores and a subset of microtubule-organising centres. Thus we show specific localisation of microtubule regulatory proteins in mouse oocytes, which could indicate roles in meiotic spindle organisation.

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Characterization of microtubules by dark-field STEM and replication

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s042482010008506x ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 49 ◽

pp. 152-153

Author(s):

S.B. Andrews ◽

R.D. Leapman ◽

P.E. Gallant ◽

T.S. Reese

Keyword(s):

Protein Interactions ◽

Low Dose ◽

Unit Length ◽

Dark Field ◽

Carbon Films ◽

Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽

Molecular Weights ◽

Freeze Dried ◽

Protein Motors ◽

Associated Proteins

As part of a study on protein interactions involved in microtubule (MT)-based transport, we used the VG HB501 field-emission STEM to obtain low-dose dark-field mass maps of isolated, taxol-stabilized MTs and correlated these micrographs with detailed stereo images from replicas of the same MTs. This approach promises to be useful for determining how protein motors interact with MTs. MTs prepared from bovine and squid brain tubulin were purified and free from microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). These MTs (0.1-1 mg/ml tubulin) were adsorbed to 3-nm evaporated carbon films supported over Formvar nets on 600-m copper grids. Following adsorption, the grids were washed twice in buffer and then in either distilled water or in isotonic or hypotonic ammonium acetate, blotted, and plunge-frozen in ethane/propane cryogen (ca. -185 C). After cryotransfer into the STEM, specimens were freeze-dried and recooled to ca.-160 C for low-dose (<3000 e/nm2) dark-field mapping. The molecular weights per unit length of MT were determined relative to tobacco mosaic virus standards from elastic scattering intensities. Parallel grids were freeze-dried and rotary shadowed with Pt/C at 14°.

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Filaments and membranes in the mitotic apparatus

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s042482010007638x ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 41 ◽

pp. 544-547

Author(s):

Kent McDonald

Keyword(s):

Intermediate Filaments ◽

Mitotic Spindle ◽

Mitotic Apparatus ◽

Light Microscope Level ◽

Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽

Recent Developments ◽

Associated Proteins ◽

Force Generator ◽

Spindle Function ◽

Antibody Technology

At the light microscope level the recent developments and interest in antibody technology have permitted the localization of certain non-microtubule proteins within the mitotic spindle, e.g., calmodulin, actin, intermediate filaments, protein kinases and various microtubule associated proteins. Also, the use of fluorescent probes like chlorotetracycline suggest the presence of membranes in the spindle. Localization of non-microtubule structures in the spindle at the EM level has been less rewarding. Some mitosis researchers, e.g., Rarer, have maintained that actin is involved in mitosis movements though the bulk of evidence argues against this interpretation. Others suggest that a microtrabecular network such as found in chromatophore granule movement might be a possible force generator but there is little evidence for or against this view. At the level of regulation of spindle function, Harris and more recently Hepler have argued for the importance of studying spindle membranes. Hepler also believes that membranes might play a structural or mechanical role in moving chromosomes.

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Analysis of the Mechanism of Microtubule Dynamic Instability Using a UV Microbeam to Sever Elongating Microtubules

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100102699 ◽

1988 ◽

Vol 46 ◽

pp. 122-123

Author(s):

R.A Walker ◽

S. Inoue ◽

E.D. Salmon

Keyword(s):

Dynamic Instability ◽

Microtubule Dynamic ◽

Gtp Hydrolysis ◽

Abrupt Transition ◽

Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽

Asymmetrical Structure ◽

Associated Proteins

Microtubules polymerized in vitro from tubulin purified free of microtubule-associated proteins exhibit dynamic instability (1,2,3). Free microtubule ends exist in persistent phases of elongation or rapid shortening with infrequent, but, abrupt transitions between these phases. The abrupt transition from elongation to rapid shortening is termed catastrophe and the abrupt transition from rapid shortening to elongation is termed rescue. A microtubule is an asymmetrical structure. The plus end grows faster than the minus end. The frequency of catastrophe of the plus end is somewhat greater than the minus end, while the frequency of rescue of the plus end in much lower than for the minus end (4).The mechanism of catastrophe is controversial, but for both the plus and minus microtubule ends, catastrophe is thought to be dependent on GTP hydrolysis. Microtubule elongation occurs by the association of tubulin-GTP subunits to the growing end. Sometime after incorporation into an elongating microtubule end, the GTP is hydrolyzed to GDP, yielding a core of tubulin-GDP capped by tubulin-GTP (“GTP-cap”).

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Molecular architecture and functions of the neuronal cytoskeleton

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100157541 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 48 (3) ◽

pp. 2-3

Author(s):

Nobutaka Hirokawa

Keyword(s):

Major Elements ◽

Molecular Structures ◽

Organelle Transport ◽

Molecular Architecture ◽

Neuronal Morphogenesis ◽

Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽

Associated Proteins ◽

And Function ◽

Small Clusters

In this symposium I will present our studies about the molecular architecture and function of the cytomatrix of the nerve cells. The nerve cell is a highly polarized cell composed of highly branched dendrites, cell body, and a single long axon along the direction of the impulse propagation. Each part of the neuron takes characteristic shapes for which the cytoskeleton provides the framework. The neuronal cytoskeletons play important roles on neuronal morphogenesis, organelle transport and the synaptic transmission. In the axon neurofilaments (NF) form dense arrays, while microtubules (MT) are arranged as small clusters among the NFs. On the other hand, MTs are distributed uniformly, whereas NFs tend to run solitarily or form small fascicles in the dendrites Quick freeze deep etch electron microscopy revealed various kinds of strands among MTs, NFs and membranous organelles (MO). These structures form major elements of the cytomatrix in the neuron. To investigate molecular nature and function of these filaments first we studied molecular structures of microtubule associated proteins (MAP1A, MAP1B, MAP2, MAP2C and tau), and microtubules reconstituted from MAPs and tubulin in vitro. These MAPs were all fibrous molecules with different length and formed arm like projections from the microtubule surface.

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Microtubule motors and other maps

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s042482010015753x ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 48 (3) ◽

pp. 1-1

Author(s):

Richard B. Vallee

Keyword(s):

Molecular Weight ◽

High Molecular Weight ◽

Cytoplasmic Dynein ◽

Organelle Transport ◽

Structural Components ◽

Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽

Microtubule Motors ◽

Associated Proteins ◽

The Subject ◽

Intracellular Motility

Microtubules are involved in a number of forms of intracellular motility, including mitosis and bidirectional organelle transport. Purified microtubules from brain and other sources contain tubulin and a diversity of microtubule associated proteins (MAPs). Some of the high molecular weight MAPs - MAP 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B - are long, fibrous molecules that serve as structural components of the cytamatrix. Three MAPs have recently been identified that show microtubule activated ATPase activity and produce force in association with microtubules. These proteins - kinesin, cytoplasmic dynein, and dynamin - are referred to as cytoplasmic motors. The latter two will be the subject of this talk.Cytoplasmic dynein was first identified as one of the high molecular weight brain MAPs, MAP 1C. It was determined to be structurally equivalent to ciliary and flagellar dynein, and to produce force toward the minus ends of microtubules, opposite to kinesin.

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