Regulation of cell migration by dynamic microtubules

Microtubules define the architecture and internal organization of cells by positioning organelles and activities, as well as by supporting cell shape and mechanics. One of the major functions of microtubules is the control of polarized cell motility. In order to support the asymmetry of polarized cells, microtubules have to be organized asymmetrically themselves. Asymmetry in microtubule distribution and stability is regulated by multiple molecular factors, most of which are microtubule-associated proteins that locally control microtubule nucleation and dynamics. At the same time, the dynamic state of microtubules is key to the regulatory mechanisms by which microtubules regulate cell polarity, modulate cell adhesion and control force-production by the actin cytoskeleton. Here, we propose that even small alterations in microtubule dynamics can influence cell migration via several different microtubule-dependent pathways. We discuss regulatory factors, potential feedback mechanisms due to functional microtubule-actin crosstalk and implications for cancer cell motility

Localization of Friedreich ataxia phenotype with selective vitamin E deficiency to chromosome 8q by homozygosity mapping.

Friedreich ataxia and ataxia with selective vitamin E deficiency (AVED) share very similar clinical phenotypes. We have mapped the AVED locus to proximal 8q with only three large consanguinous Tunisian families, representing to our knowledge the first use of homozygosity mapping for primary linkage analysis. Subsequently, three additional families showed linkage with the same markers. A maximum lod score of 17.9 was obtained at theta = 0 for the haplotype D8S260-D8S510, consisting of the two closest markers. With only 6 families, the AVED locus is therefore mapped precisely as illustrated by the lod-1 confidence interval of 2.4 cM on either side of D8S260-D8S510. Isolation of a yeast artificial chromosome contig > 800 kilobases (kb) showed that D8S260 and D8S510 are less than 400 kb apart.Journal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

A guide to the Treaty of Amsterdam

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:4567.4766(1/98) / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo