Alpha-tubulin tails regulate axoneme differentiation

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2414731122
• Publication Date: 2025-04-08T17:39:05Z
• Authors: Ming Li; Zhe Chen; Zhengyang Guo; Yang Wang; Yongping Chai; Wei Li; Guangshuo Ou
• Keywords: Axoneme

The tubulin tail is a key element for microtubule (MT) functionality, but the functional redundancy of genes complicates genetic determination their physiological functions. Here, we removed C-terminal five alpha- and four beta-tubulin in C. elegans genome. Sensory cilia typically exhibit an axoneme that longitudinally differentiates into middle segment with doublet MTs distal singlet MTs. However, excision alpha-tubulin tail, not resulted ectopic formation segments. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest could prevent B-tubule from docking on surface A-tubule. Using recombinant tubulins, demonstrated removing efficiently promoted vitro. These results reveal vital unique contributions tails to structural integrity accuracy MT organization.