title: ATP-induced gelation--contraction of microtubules assembled in vitro.
abstract: We report here an ATP-dependent formation and contraction, or syneresis, of a microtubule gel using microtubule proteins prepared from calf brains. Gel contraction is typically observable 15-30 min after ATP addition to microtubules assembled to steady state, and is complete after approximately 60 min, at which time the gel volume is reduced by as much as 75%. In contracted gels, microtubule bundles and aster-like structures are observable. Gelation-contraction requires only microtubule proteins present after purification by three cycles of assembly and disassembly.
mesh_terms: D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D002417:Cattle; D005782:Gels; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008868:Microtubule Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008870:Microtubules / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D005782:Gels; D008868:Microtubule Proteins; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate