Self-Assembly of Microtubule Tactoids

The cytoskeleton is responsible for major internal organization and re-organization within the cell, all without a manager to direct changes. This especially case during mitosis or meiosis, where microtubules form spindle cell division. machinery used segregate genetic material Toward creating self-organized spindles in vitro, we recently developed technique reconstitute into spindle-like assemblies with minimal set of microtubule-associated proteins crowding agents. Specifically, MAP65 was used, which an antiparallel microtubule crosslinker from plants, homolog Ase1 yeast PRC1 mammalian organisms. self-organizes long, thin, assemblies. These are also similar liquid crystal tactoids, could be as mesoscale mesogens. Here, protocols presented these well characterizing shape using fluorescence microscopy mobility constituents recovery after photobleaching.