Tracking microtubule plus ends: EB proteins and friends

The microtubule (MT) network is one of the major cytoskeletal systems of all eukaryotic cells, being responsible for a variety of important processes. MT organization is necessary for proper cell division, movement and morphogenesis, among other processes. MT plus-end-tracking proteins (+TIPs) are a diverse group of molecules, which display a dynamic accumulation at the distal ends of growing MTs and help to shape the MT network. In this thesis we examined the functions of EB proteins in controlling MT dynamics and addressed several questions regarding the mechanisms of plus end tracking and the organization of the +TIP network. Our findings allowed us to define better the central role of EB proteins in targeting +TIPs to the growing MT ends and identify molecular mechanisms behind this process