About this Research Topic
Many cellular processes require the essential cytoskeleton structures organized by microtubules. Microtubules are polar polymers with characteristic assembly dynamics and variable stability; properties that change with the cell cycle and vary among cell types. Assembly and stability of microtubule polymers is regulated by a variety of proteins and post-translational modifications. Their organization within the cells is governed by microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs) such as the most common MTOC, the centrosome. Beyond centrosomes, non-centrosomal MTOCs enable the diversity of microtubule organization found in unique cell types and organisms.
While the centrosome is the best-understood MTOC, there is much we do not know about centrosome assembly and function and how this changes with organism and cell type. Less understood non-centrosomal MTOCs assemble and function in a variety of organisms and cell types and with a diversity of subcellular locations, structures, and modes of MT assembly. These represent a relatively new frontier in the field of MTOCs. By understanding the different control points for MTOC assembly and organization, we aim to uncover both the general rules and the diversity in microtubule and actin cytoskeleton organization and how they serve the diverse needs of cells and organisms.
This Research Topic aims to present novel research findings, trends, and concepts surrounding MTOCs. Areas to be covered in this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to:
• Molecular and structural features of centrosomes and other MTOCs
• Identification of new MTOCs and their components, expanding our understanding of their diversity
• Functions of centrosomes in stem cell biology
• Roles of MTOCs in development
• Mechanisms of MT assembly
• Mechanisms of actin assembly at MTOCs
• Mechanisms of centriole biogenesis
• Mechanisms of centrosome biogenesis and organization
• Cilia and flagella
• Novel techniques in MT regulation or imaging
While the centrosome is the best-understood MTOC, there is much we do not know about centrosome assembly and function and how this changes with organism and cell type. Less understood non-centrosomal MTOCs assemble and function in a variety of organisms and cell types and with a diversity of subcellular locations, structures, and modes of MT assembly. These represent a relatively new frontier in the field of MTOCs. By understanding the different control points for MTOC assembly and organization, we aim to uncover both the general rules and the diversity in microtubule and actin cytoskeleton organization and how they serve the diverse needs of cells and organisms.
This Research Topic aims to present novel research findings, trends, and concepts surrounding MTOCs. Areas to be covered in this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to:
• Molecular and structural features of centrosomes and other MTOCs
• Identification of new MTOCs and their components, expanding our understanding of their diversity
• Functions of centrosomes in stem cell biology
• Roles of MTOCs in development
• Mechanisms of MT assembly
• Mechanisms of actin assembly at MTOCs
• Mechanisms of centriole biogenesis
• Mechanisms of centrosome biogenesis and organization
• Cilia and flagella
• Novel techniques in MT regulation or imaging
Keywords: Centrosome, Centriole, Pericentriolar Material, Microtubule, Cilia, Mitosis, Spindle pole body, MTOC, MCPH, Seckel syndrome
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