[Compartmentalization and plasticity of the microtubule network]

Abstract

Cytoplasm organization greatly depends on the cytoskeleton and especially on microtubules. Their multiple roles comprise for instance long-distance vesicular traffic or the organization of several signalling pathways. A variety of cellular functions require highly dynamic microtubules, which alternate between growing and shrinking phases. Meanwhile, other functions use stable microtubules, in which tubulin often bears multiple post-translational modifications like acetylation. Recent progress has been made in understanding some molecular mechanisms that control microtubule dynamics or tubulin acetylation. These mechanisms reveal the high plasticity of microtubules and point out the importance of their compartmentalization at structural and functional levels.