Functionalization of microtubules by Tau-derived peptides: encapsulation, cell manipulation, and construction of superstructures

Abstract

Microtubules are natural tubular protein assemblies consisting of tubulin dimers, which serve various roles in cells as cytoskeletons. Because of their unique properties, microtubules are important targets for the manipulation of cells and interesting building blocks of dynamic nanomaterials. By modulating the properties of microtubules, such as structure, stability and motility, it is possible to generate promising solutions for both biological and nanotechnological applications. In this chapter we discussed recent approaches involving the functionalization of microtubules by the Tau-derived peptide, including encapsulation of nanomaterials inside microtubules, manipulation of cells and construction of microtubule superstructures.