Profilin affects microtubule dynamics via actin

Abstract

Profilin binds microtubules in vitro. However, a new study by Vitriol and colleagues (https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202309097) now suggests that effects of profilin on microtubule dynamics in cells are indirect and result from its impact on actin dynamics rather than its direct binding to microtubules.

Figure 1.

Schematic representation illustrating changes in microtubule and actin networks resulting from genetic and pharmacological perturbations. Top: Wild-type cells with normal microtubule (light orange) and actin (blue) networks. Bottom left: Knocking out profilin 1 or exposure to latrunculin A (LatA) leads to increase in both the number, acetylation (dark orange), and stabilization of microtubules, as well as a reduction in F-actin. Bottom right: Treatment with the myosin inhibitor blebbistatin leads to more microtubules and increased microtubule acetylation without affecting the total amount of filamentous actin. MT: microtubule.