Microtubules | wasteneyslab

Microtubule Organization and Dynamics

The cell's "skeleton" is made up in part by thin structures called microtubules that provide structural support and tracks for cargo to be delivered throughout the cell. Microtubules have lives of their own - they are "born" at nucleation sites, grow as tubulin heterodimers are added, and eventually depolymerize as they age. We are interested in studying the molecular mechanisms that govern microtubule dynamics and organization in different types of plant cells.

The Root Apical Meristem Dividing cells display transfacial microtubule bundles until the transition zone, where microtubules adopt a different organization pattern. Image by Laryssa Halat.	The Elongation Array Microtubules (magenta) align perpendicular to the axis of elongation in root cells. The microtubule-associated protein CLASP (green) helps microtubules to grow around cell edges. Image by Laryssa Halat.
The Cell's Skeleton Microtubules in Arabidopsis hypocotyl cells. Image by Laryssa Halat.

Microtubule Organization and Dynamics

The Root Apical Meristem

Dividing cells display transfacial microtubule bundles until the transition zone, where microtubules adopt a different organization pattern. Image by Laryssa Halat.

The Elongation Array

Microtubules (magenta) align perpendicular to the axis of elongation in root cells. The microtubule-associated protein CLASP (green) helps microtubules to grow around cell edges. Image by Laryssa Halat.

The Cell's Skeleton

Microtubules in Arabidopsis hypocotyl cells. Image by Laryssa Halat.