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Zinc ion-induced assembly of tubulin | JoVE Visualize

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Zinc ion-induced assembly of tubulin

F Gaskin, Y Kress

The Journal of Biological Chemistry|October 10, 1977

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Zinc ions promote the assembly of tubulin proteins into sheets and tubular structures. Higher zinc concentrations accelerate tubulin assembly, influencing microtubule formation dynamics.

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Cell Biology
Structural Biology

Background:

Tubulin is the primary protein subunit of microtubules.
Microtubule assembly is regulated by various factors, including proteins and ions.
Zinc ions (Zn2+) are known to influence protein assembly.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effect of zinc ions on tubulin assembly.
To characterize the structures formed by zinc-induced tubulin assembly.
To analyze the kinetics of zinc-mediated tubulin assembly.

Main Methods:

Electron microscopy for structural visualization.
Turbidimetric measurements (A350) for monitoring assembly kinetics.
Preparation and purification of tubulin and microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs).

Main Results:

Zinc ions induced the formation of parallel protofilament sheets (15-60 protofilaments).
In the absence of MAPs and GTP, zinc induced tubular structures (approx. 220 nm).
Increased zinc concentration reduced lag time, increased assembly rate, and raised plateau absorbance.

Conclusions:

Zinc ions are potent inducers of tubulin assembly into higher-order structures.
The presence of MAPs and GTP influences the morphology of zinc-induced tubulin assemblies.
Turbidimetry is suitable for microtubule quantitation but not for zinc-induced sheets.

Manufacturing Engineering

Textile Technology

Zinc Ion-induced Assembly Of Tubulin