Ras-Transformed Cells Contain Microtubules Rich in Modified α-Tubulin in Their Trailing Edges

Summary

The distribution of microtubules rich in acetylated α-tubulin has been examined in a variety of transfected, transformed cell lines expressing, either reversibly or constitutively, ras oncoproteins. These cell lines all show large numbers of cell processes or ‘tails’ rich in acetylated tubulin microtubule bundles. The incidence of these bundles correlated with p21 oncoprotein expression. This microtubule distribution was very different from that seen in the untransformed varients of the cells examined where acetylated microtubules were predominently perinuclear. This difference may be of general significance in distinguishing motile cells from non-motile ones.