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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 5921-5931 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Soft matter |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 24 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 28 2021 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- General Chemistry
- Condensed Matter Physics