Self-organization of polymer-motor systems in the cytoskeleton.

Citation:

Mitchison TJ. Self-organization of polymer-motor systems in the cytoskeleton. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 1992;336 (1276) :99-106.

Date Published:

1992 Apr 29

Abstract:

Microtubules and actin filaments are organized into dynamic arrays inside cells. In this paper I discuss in conceptual form the assembly mechanisms of three specific arrays: asters, spindles and leading edge structures. The role of energy transducing processes, particularly motor protein activity, in assembly is explored. I conclude that dynamic interaction between motor proteins and cytoskeletal polymers play a very general role in spatial organization of the cytoplasm.