Confinement size determines the architecture of Ran-induced microtubule networks

Ya Gai, Brian Cook, Sagar Setru, Howard A. Stone, Sabine Petry

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The organization of microtubules (MTs) is critical for cells during interphase and mitosis. During mitotic spindle assembly, MTs are made and organized around chromosomes in a process regulated by RanGTP. The role of RanGTP has been explored inXenopusegg extracts, which are not limited by a cell membrane. Here, we investigated whether cell-sized confinements affect the assembly of RanGTP-induced MT networks inXenopusegg extracts. We used microfluidics to encapsulate extracts within monodisperse extract-in-oil droplets. Importantly, we find that the architecture of Ran-induced MT networks depends on the droplet diameter and the Ran concentration, and differs from structures formed in bulk extracts. Our results highlight that both MT nucleation and physical confinement play critical roles in determining the spatial organization of the MT cytoskeleton.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)5921-5931
Number of pages11
JournalSoft matter
Volume17
Issue number24
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 28 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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