Polymorphism in tubulin assemblies: A mechanical model

Physical Review Research, vol. 5

Abstract

The mechanical origin of polymorphism in two-dimensional tubulin assemblies, including microtubules and other structures such as twisted ribbons, flat sheets, and macrotubules, is examined by modeling these as anisotropic elastic shells. Varying asymmetries at a dimer level, expressed as spontaneous curvature, naturally gives rise to the polymorphic landscape. The results provide insight in the robustness of cylindrical structures and mechanical aspects of microtubule disassembly.

Authors 3

1. Ireth García-Aguilar Aachen Instituut-Lorentz

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Instituut-Lorentz, Universiteit Leiden, P.O. Box 9506, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands

2. Steven Zwaan Aachen Instituut-Lorentz

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Instituut-Lorentz, Universiteit Leiden, P.O. Box 9506, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands

3. Luca Giomi corresponding Aachen Instituut-Lorentz

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Instituut-Lorentz, Universiteit Leiden, P.O. Box 9506, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands