Dynamics of tubulin nucleation and assembly

Microtubules (MTs) are one of the major components of the cytoskeleton, involved in cell division, intracellular transport, cell motility, and cell shape. Precise control of the highly-frequent events of tubulin nucleation is needed for a proper cytoskeleton function. Despite years of research, tubulin nucleation is still one of the least understood steps of MT dynamics. To determine the molecular mechanisms directing tubulin nucleation, we will reconstitute in-vitro a minimal model system that mimics the key elements of non-templated cytoskeleton MT assembly. Using state-of-the-art time-resolved SAXS (TR-SAXS) and our home-developed cutting-edge analysis tools, we shall follow, in real-time, the active self-organization, dynamic structures and energetics of tubulin protein subunits and their regulation by nucleotide hydrolysis. These data will resolve the underlying mechanisms at the molecular level by which nucleotides, tubulin, and MT assemble and function.