How Does MCAK Depolymerize Microtubules MTs

1
How Does MCAK Depolymerize Microtubules (MTs)?
How Does MCAK Recognize the End of the MT?
What Tubulin Products Does MCAK Release from the
MT?
Kathleen Hertzer (Molecular Motors 2006)
2
The C-Termini of Tubulin Have Multiple Important
Functions
Isotype Variation and Post-Translational
Modification
Increase Processivity of MT Motor Proteins
Kathleen Hertzer (Molecular Motors 2006)
3
The C-Termini of Tubulin Play an Important Role
in MCAK Function
Depolymerization of SMTs is Less Efficient
MCAK Localizes to the Ends of SMTs
MCAK Has Similar Affinities for SMTs and MTs
Kathleen Hertzer (Molecular Motors 2006)
4
Alternative Product Formation Decreases the
Efficiency of MCAK-Induced SMT Depolymerization
MTs
aßs MTs
asßs MTs



Kathleen Hertzer (Molecular Motors 2006)
5
MCAK Cannot Depolymerize Rings, but Forms Ring
Structures from Sheets
asßs Rings

asßs Sheets
Kathleen Hertzer (Molecular Motors 2006)
6
MCAK Depolymerizes MTs through Oligomeric
Intermediates
Independent of C-Termini of Tubulin!
MCAK Stabilizes a Curved Conformation?
Dependent on the C-Termini of Tubulin!
Dependent on Substrate Geometry!
Kathleen Hertzer (Molecular Motors 2006)