The contribution of αβ-tubulin curvature to microtubule dynamics

Microtubules are dynamic polymers of alpha beta-tubulin that form diverse cellular structures, such as the mitotic spindle for cell division, the backbone of neurons, and axonemes. To control the architecture of microtubule networks, microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) and motor proteins regulate microtubule growth, shrinkage, and the transitions between these states. Recent evidence shows that many MAPs exert their effects by selectively binding to distinct conformations of polymerized or unpolymerized alpha beta-tubulin. The ability of alpha beta-tubulin to adopt distinct conformations contributes to the intrinsic polymerization dynamics of microtubules. alpha beta-Tubulin conformation is a fundamental property that MAPs monitor and control to build proper microtubule networks.