Actin–microtubule coordination at growing microtubule ends

Magdalena Preciado López, Florian Huber, Ilya Grigoriev, Michel O. Steinmetz, Anna Akhmanova, Gijsje H. Koenderink () and Marileen Dogterom ()
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Magdalena Preciado López: FOM Institute AMOLF
Florian Huber: FOM Institute AMOLF
Ilya Grigoriev: Faculty of Science, Utrecht University
Michel O. Steinmetz: Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institut
Anna Akhmanova: Faculty of Science, Utrecht University
Gijsje H. Koenderink: FOM Institute AMOLF
Marileen Dogterom: FOM Institute AMOLF

Nature Communications, 2014, vol. 5, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract To power dynamic processes in cells, the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons organize into complex structures. Although it is known that cytoskeletal coordination is vital for cell function, the mechanisms by which cross-linking proteins coordinate actin and microtubule activities remain poorly understood. In particular, it is unknown how the distinct mechanical properties of different actin architectures modulate the outcome of actin–microtubule interactions. To address this question, we engineered the protein TipAct, which links growing microtubule ends via end-binding proteins to actin filaments. We show that growing microtubules can be captured and guided by stiff actin bundles, leading to global actin–microtubule alignment. Conversely, growing microtubule ends can transport, stretch and bundle individual actin filaments, thereby globally defining actin filament organization. Our results provide a physical basis to understand actin–microtubule cross-talk, and reveal that a simple cross-linker can enable a mechanical feedback between actin and microtubule organization that is relevant to diverse biological contexts.

Date: 2014
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5778

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