Microtubule-organizing centres: a re-evaluation.
The number, length, distribution and polarity of microtubules are largely controlled by microtubule-organizing centres, which nucleate and anchor microtubule minus ends in a process that requires gamma-tubulin. Here we discuss recent evidence indicating that gamma-tubulin-dependent formation of new microtubules is not restricted to conventional microtubule-organizing centres. These findings suggest that the spatio-temporal control of microtubule nucleation is more complex than previously thought, leading us to a re-evaluation of the concept of the microtubule-organizing center.
Lüders
Jens
J
Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA.
Stearns
Tim
T
D002460:Cell Line; D018385:Centrosome / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D022101:Microtubule-Organizing Center / Q000378:metabolism*; D008870:Microtubules / Q000378:metabolism*; D008938:Mitosis; D008954:Models, Biological; D008941:Spindle Apparatus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D014404:Tubulin / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology
D014404:Tubulin