# Patterning acentrosomal microtubule arrays

> **NIH NIH R35** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $418,748

## Abstract

Abstract
The microtubule cytoskeleton supports cell-division, cellular morphology and intracellular cargo transport. While
the centrosome is a major site of microtubule nucleation in dividing cells, many differentiated cells harbor
acentrosomal microtubule arrays. Prominent examples include germline cells, plant epidermis, epithelia and
neurons. To understand cellular differentiation, it is crucial to learn how acentrosomal array architecture is set
up to achieve a specific pattern of polymer numbers, length and dynamics that would support specialized cellular
functions, often throughout the life of an organism.
My laboratory studies the patterning of acentrosomal microtubules and its effect on cargo transport in C. elegans.
We developed imaging tools and algorithms that allow an unprecedented level of analysis of microtubule
organization in vivo and are compatible with live-imaging of cargo transport. We conducted unbiased screens to
uncover novel microtubule regulators and are using genetics, imaging, and biochemical methods to understand
their mechanisms. In parallel, we are investigating the biological significance of microtubule array patterns by
examining the effects of these regulators on long-range intracellular transport. This proposal details the
establishment of our experimental system, design and implementation of the screen, and preliminary
characterization of select regulators. It then outlines our main goals for the next five years: completing the screen
and elucidating the mechanisms that establish acentrosomal array architecture. These studies will determine
how steady-state array architecture emerges from the control of single polymer nucleation and dynamics and
how it is adapted to the function of specialized cells.
Microtubules support fundamental biological processes such as cell migration, polarization and cargo transport.
Hence, our work will have a significant impact: It will identify novel regulators that arrange the building blocks of
acentrosomal arrays and it will determine the mechanisms by which they pattern the cytoskeleton and regulate
transport. The involvement of cytoskeletal defects in numerous disorders suggests that in the long-range, our
studies will help to shed light on mechanisms of cellular dysfunction that occurs during disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10456992
- **Project number:** 5R35GM133573-04
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Shaul Yogev
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $418,748
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-12 → 2024-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10456992

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10456992, Patterning acentrosomal microtubule arrays (5R35GM133573-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10456992. Licensed CC0.

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