Microtubule Network: Role in Cell Development and Disease

Dear Colleagues,

The microtubule (MT) network is a complex network of protein fibers that comprise the cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells. MTs are composed of the protein tubulin and MTs are dynamic structures that are constantly assembled and disassembled in response to various cellular signals and cues. MTs plays critical roles in many aspects of cell development, including cell division, cell movement, and cell shape.

During cell division, MTs help to organize the chromosomes and divide them into two daughter cells. The spindle apparatus, formed of MTs, is important for the proper segregation of chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis. MTs also help to control cell movement and shape by providing a structural framework for the cell and through interactions with other components of the cytoskeleton, such as actin filaments. MTs are also involved in the formation and maintenance of cell polarity, which is important for cell migration and differentiation. In addition, MTs are involved in the transport of molecules and organelles within the cell, which is important for cell growth and development. For instance, in neurons, MTs are essential for the transport of neurofilaments and other components which influence the growth and maintenance of the axons and dendrites. Furthermore, MTs are also involved in the formation of cilia and flagella, which influence cell motility and sensing.

The MT network plays a crucial role in the proper development and function of eukaryotic cells by providing a structural framework, organizing chromosomes, transporting molecules and organelles, and controlling cell movement and shape. While much is known about the structure and function of MTs, there is still much that remains unknown about this important cellular component. For example, the precise mechanisms that control MT assembly and disassembly, as well as the roles of MTs in certain cellular processes, such as cell migration and cell adhesion, are not yet fully understood. Ongoing research also aims to better understand how MTs interact with other components of the cytoskeleton, such as actin filaments and intermediate filaments, and how these interactions contribute to the overall function of the cell.

Another area of ongoing research is the relationship between MTs and various diseases. MT-targeting drugs are used to treat certain types of cancer, and the mechanisms of action of these drugs and how they affect MTs constitute an active area of research. Moreover, the molecular interactions between MTs, their associated proteins, and their regulators remain elusive. Knowledge of these interactions is essential for understanding how MTs contribute to cell physiology and how MT-associated diseases arise. The MT network is a complex and dynamic system, and much remains to be discovered about its properties and functions. I hope this Special Issue of Biology will advance our understanding of the roles of the MT network in cell development and diseases. Original research articles and reviews are welcome. I look forward to your contributions.

Dr. Sikao Guo
Guest Editor

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• filaments
• self-organization
• cell shape
• polarity
• motility
• motor proteins
• protein–protein interactions
• microtubules
• cell division
• cell movement