Dynamic microtubules in Dictyostelium.

The term 'microtubule dynamics' is often used to describe assembly/disassembly characteristics of this important cytoskeletal polymer. The ability to image microtubules in live Dictyostelium cells has revealed additional dynamic components, acting on the individual assembled tubules. At least two separate forces are involved, in generation of pronounced bending motions during interphase and in creating tension with the cell cortex. This review attempts to summarize what is known about conventional microtubule dynamics in Dictyostelium as well as to describe these two additional motility components. We propose that these forces are important both in maintaining the overall structure of the microtubule array and in supporting intracellular traffic.