Building Cytoskeletal Circuits via Branched Microtubule Network: Experimental Realizations

Cytoskeletal elements self-organize into intricate hierarchical structures and form the molecular basis for cellular functions. A remarkable example is the axonal microtubule (MT) architecture that facilitates controlled neuronal migration, axon extension, and molecular transport over long distances. Inspired by axons, we have developed cytoskeletal circuits: controllable platforms for engineering robust MT architectures, with potential for novel on-chip nanotechnologies. These circuits combine the branching MT nucleation pathway with microfabrication techniques, enabling the adaptive self-organization of uniformly polarized MT arrays within microfluidic confinements. The geometrical features of the microstructures allow for control over this self-organizing process. We have successfully constructed and characterized various elements, including turns, divisions, biased divisions, and MT diodes, to fabricate diverse MT architectures on a chip. In this presentation, we will focus on the experimental results of our study, where our aim was to elucidate the fundamental principles underlying the self-organization of branched MT networks in various geometries.