Summary of the science
Microtubule nucleation complexes are groups of proteins that play an important role in forming microtubules, which are long, hollow structures within our cells that help with various cellular processes. Microtubules are like roads that help carry things around in our cells, and they are also involved in cellular division, which is where one cell divides and becomes two. These nucleation complexes are organised around a central core (like an apple core), which acts as a scaffold. This initial scaffold allows other proteins to bind to it, gradually forming longer microtubules. Imagine adding more and more beads to a necklace and wrapping the necklace around a hollow cyclinder. They are usually found in specific parts of the cell, like the centrosome, where microtubules are organised.
About the research
The Sawin Lab investigates cellular organisation in two main areas: the regulation of cell polarity and the molecular mechanisms behind microtubule nucleation. Microtubule nucleation complexes are organised around the γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC), which serves as the core scaffold for microtubule assembly. γ-TuRC recruits additional proteins, such as the γ-tubulin complex-associated proteins (GCPs), to form a functional complex. These complexes are often localised to specific cellular structures, such as the centrosome, where they contribute to the nucleation and organisation of microtubules.
About the illustration
We wanted to show microtubules expanding and organising themselves from the initial nucleation complex. To make it more dynamic and interesting we wanted to microtubules to appear to be growing towards us, with smaller protein components floating around, waiting to be added to the growing structure.