Tracking the ends: a dynamic protein network controls the fate of microtubule tips

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2008 Apr;9(4):309-22. doi: 10.1038/nrm2369. Epub 2008 Mar 5.

Abstract

Microtubule plus-end tracking proteins (+TIPs) are a diverse group of evolutionarily conserved cellular factors that accumulate at the ends of growing microtubules. They form dynamic networks through the interaction of a limited set of protein modules, repeat sequences and linear motifs that bind to each other with moderate affinities. +TIPs regulate different aspects of cell architecture by controlling microtubule dynamics, microtubule interactions with cellular structures and signalling factors, and the forces that are exerted on microtubule networks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Polarity*
  • Humans
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / chemistry
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism*
  • Microtubules / chemistry*
  • Microtubules / metabolism*

Substances

  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins