Journal Club – January 2020

Expert Protocols, Microtubule Branching, and the Actin Interactome

Must Read


Cytoskeleton Dynamics: Methods and Protocols

Helder Maiato (Ed.)

Cytoskeleton Dynamics

This Methods in Molecular Biology series outlines a range of experimental approaches for studying actin and microtubule dynamics, and is sure to be an invaluable resource to new and seasoned researchers alike. View the Table of Contents.

  • reconstitution of dynamic systems
  • studying protein-protein interactions
  • fluorescence and structural microscopy


Journal Club Picks


  • Selective destabilization of dynamic microtubules limits synaptic bouton growth.
    Coombes et al.  |  Wildonger and Gardner Labs  |  Current Biology
  • Disruption of the kinesin KIF3B causes schizophrenia‐like phenotypes in mice.
    Alsabban et al.  |  Hirokawa Lab  |  EMBO Journal
  • Kinesin motors diffusing within a 2D supported lipid bilayar accumulate on microtubules.
    Jiang et al.  |  Hancock Lab  |  Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
  • A minimal reconstitution system yields mechanical insights into microtubule branching.
    Alfaro-Aco et al.  |  Petry Lab  |  eLife – Find us in the methods section!
  • Full-length Ska and Ndc80 complex together in the absence of microtubules and tension.
    Huis In ‘t Veld et al.  |  Musacchio and Dogterom Labs  |  eLife
  • Profiling actin binding proteins in interphase vs. mitosis reveals key players in cell rounding.
    Serres et al.  |  Roux and Paluch Labs  |  Developmental Cell
  • Actin protrusions maintain cell–cell adhesions in confluent epithelial sheets.
    Li et al.  |  Brieher Lab  |  Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
  • Formin-mediated actin polymerization is regulated by the acetylation of key lysine residues.
    Mu et al.  |  Higgs Lab  |  Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
  • Epithelial cells transition from short/squat to tall/skinny by modulating their actin network.
    Wang and Brieher  |  Brieher Lab  |  Journal of Cell Biology

Our opinions are our own and do not represent the views or endorsement of the authors cited.

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