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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

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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.

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Zinc Ion-induced Assembly Of Tubulin