Self-repair promotes microtubule rescue.
The dynamic instability of microtubules is characterized by slow growth phases stochastically interrupted by rapid depolymerizations called catastrophes. Rescue events can arrest the depolymerization and restore microtubule elongation. However, the origin of these rescue events remains unexplained. Here we show that microtubule lattice self-repair, in structurally damaged sites, is responsible for the rescue of microtubule growth. Tubulin photo-conversion in cells revealed that free tubulin dimers can incorporate along the shafts of microtubules, especially in regions where microtubules cross each other, form bundles or become bent due to mechanical constraints. These incorporation sites appeared to act as effective rescue sites ensuring microtubule rejuvenation. By securing damaged microtubule growth, the self-repair process supports a mechanosensitive growth by specifically promoting microtubule assembly in regions where they are subjected to physical constraints.
CytoMorpho Lab, Biosciences & Biotechnology Institute of Grenoble, UMR5168, CEA/INRA/CNRS/Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France.
Charlotte
C
Aumeier
CytoMorpho Lab, Biosciences & Biotechnology Institute of Grenoble, UMR5168, CEA/INRA/CNRS/Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France.
Laura
L
Schaedel
CytoMorpho Lab, Biosciences & Biotechnology Institute of Grenoble, UMR5168, CEA/INRA/CNRS/Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France.
Jérémie
J
Gaillard
Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique, CNRS / Université Grenoble-Alpes, Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France.
Karin
K
John
CytoMorpho Lab, Biosciences & Biotechnology Institute of Grenoble, UMR5168, CEA/INRA/CNRS/Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France.|CytoMorpho Lab, Hopital Saint Louis, Institut Universitaire d'Hematologie, UMRS1160, INSERM/Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France.
Laurent
L
Blanchoin
CytoMorpho Lab, Biosciences & Biotechnology Institute of Grenoble, UMR5168, CEA/INRA/CNRS/Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France.|CytoMorpho Lab, Hopital Saint Louis, Institut Universitaire d'Hematologie, UMRS1160, INSERM/Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France.
Manuel
M
Théry
D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D051417:Focal Adhesion Kinase 1 / Q000378:metabolism; D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008870:Microtubules / Q000378:metabolism*; D010782:Photolysis; D051381:Rats; D014404:Tubulin / Q000378:metabolism*
D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins; D014404:Tubulin; D051417:Focal Adhesion Kinase 1; C496050:PTK2 protein, human