Modulation of Microtubule Properties and Functions by Encapsulation of Nanomaterials Using a Tau-Derived Peptide
Hiroshi Inaba, Kazunori Matsuura
Abstract
Abstract Microtubules (MTs) are hollow cytoskeletons with typically 15 nm inner diameter, which are crucial for various cellular activities including structural support, transport, and cell division. Because of their importance in cells and their unique structural properties, MTs are recognized not only as important targets for cell manipulation but also as interesting components for material applications. However, a methodology for modulation of the properties and functions of MTs is not established. The outside of MTs is historically well-studied, however, the inside of MTs is a recently emerged area. Since various proteins have been recently found inside MTs and are recognized as modulators of MTs, the MT interior has great potential as a reaction field for artificial modulation of the properties and functions. To demonstrate proof-of-concept, we developed Tau-derived peptides that bind to the inner surface of MTs for molecular encapsulation. In this account, we overview the properties of MTs and recent MT-related research, in particular about the inside of MTs, and our approach to encapsulate nanomaterials for modulation of MTs using Tau-derived peptides. The encapsulation of nanomaterials is a new concept for artificial modulation of MTs and would provide insight into the understanding of MTs and cellular and material applications.