Microtubule Organization Is Essential for Maintaining Cellular Morphology and Function

Figure 3

Diagram of MAPs, MSAs, and MDAs involved in the regulation of MT dynamics within neurons. MT organization and dynamics are regulated by MT proteins, MSAs and MDAs. MT-targeting agents can interfere with the dynamic equilibrium of MT polymerization and depolymerization. According to their mechanisms of action, MT-targeting agents can be divided into two groups: MSAs and MDAs. The former includes paclitaxel, docetaxel, epothilones, and laulimalide. They exert bind and interfere with the Taxol-binding domain and nontaxane sites. MDAs include vincristine, vinblastine, colchicine, and combretastatin. They depolymerize MTs by targeting the vinca-binding domain and colchicine-binding domain. These MT-targeting agents influence the polymerization and depolymerization of MTs and are patterned by a variety of MAPs, including MAP2, Tau, dynein, and kinesin. These MAPs play the critical roles in mediating a plethora of cellular processes such as cell division and motility, intracellular transport, axonal specification, and neuronal development.