The study titled, "A novel approach to tagging tubulin reveals MT assembly dynamics of the axoneme in Trypanosoma brucei", introduces a novel method for tagging tubulin to investigate flagellum microtubule (MT) assembly dynamics with high precision. Using advanced genetic and biochemical techniques, the researchers developed a fluorescently labeled tubulin system that enables real-time visualization of MT growth and organization in live cells. This approach provides new insights into the spatiotemporal regulation of MT dynamics, shedding light on fundamental cellular processes such as mitosis and intracellular transport. The results provide the first direct evidence for a "flagellum locking mechanism" and describe a previously unrecognized cycle of disassembly and reassembly. These findings highlight the potential of this tagging strategy for studying flagellum biology, cytoskeletal behavior and its implications in cellular function and disease.

In the study, the BTX ECM 830 Square Wave Electroporation System was employed to introduce plasmid DNA encoding fluorescently labeled tubulin into cells. This electroporation technique enabled the researchers to visualize MT assembly dynamics in real-time, providing deeper insights into MT behavior and its role in cellular processes.

A link to the article can be found here.

Learn more about the BTX ECM 830 here.