Vimentin intermediate filaments stabilize dynamic microtubules by direct interactions

Laura Schaedel, Charlotta Lorenz, Anna V. Schepers, Stefan Klumpp () and Sarah Köster ()
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Laura Schaedel: Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen
Charlotta Lorenz: Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen
Anna V. Schepers: Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen
Stefan Klumpp: Max Planck School Matter to Life
Sarah Köster: Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract The cytoskeleton determines cell mechanics and lies at the heart of important cellular functions. Growing evidence suggests that the manifold tasks of the cytoskeleton rely on the interactions between its filamentous components—actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. However, the nature of these interactions and their impact on cytoskeletal dynamics are largely unknown. Here, we show in a reconstituted in vitro system that vimentin intermediate filaments stabilize microtubules against depolymerization and support microtubule rescue. To understand these stabilizing effects, we directly measure the interaction forces between individual microtubules and vimentin filaments. Combined with numerical simulations, our observations provide detailed insight into the physical nature of the interactions and how they affect microtubule dynamics. Thus, we describe an additional, direct mechanism by which cells establish the fundamental cross talk of cytoskeletal components alongside linker proteins. Moreover, we suggest a strategy to estimate the binding energy of tubulin dimers within the microtubule lattice.

Date: 2021
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-23523-z

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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23523-z

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