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. 1986 Mar;83(6):1728–1732. doi: 10.1073/pnas.83.6.1728

ATP-dependent formation and motility of aster-like structures with isolated calf brain microtubule proteins.

R C Weisenberg, R D Allen, S Inoue
PMCID: PMC323157  PMID: 3513187

Abstract

Microtubule proteins isolated from calf brain will undergo gelation-contraction in the presence of ATP. We have now examined this process by video-enhanced contrast microscopy. After ATP addition to steady-state microtubules, slow (1-5 micron/min), linear movements of particles and microtubules toward aggregation centers occur. The resulting structures resemble mitotic spindle asters. During the time when gel contraction occurs, asters move (at 1-5 micron/min) toward other nearby asters. This is accompanied by the apparent shortening of the microtubules running between the asters. This is the first example of isolated microtubules undergoing a process that has similarities to half-spindle shortening during anaphase A. Formation of aster-like structures without preformed microtubule organizing centers raises the possibility that a similar process may contribute to microtubule organization in vivo.

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