Polarity
For cells to move in a specific direction they must organize their cytoskeleton to generate a protruding front and a retracting rear. This process of polarization requires microtubules, which interface with the actin cytoskeleton, at least in part, via the substrate adhesion machinery.
Microtubules disassembly leads to the loss of a polarized cell form.
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Microtubules grow into adhesion sites at the cell periphery.
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Microtubules influence the size and turnover of adhesion sites.
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Microtubules influence polarity by locally inhibiting contractility at adhesion sites.
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The interaction between microtubules and substrate adhesions suggests one route of cross-talk between the microtubule and actin systems
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Proteins at the tips of microtubules could convey signals to adhesion sites
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