Abstract

As structural components of the cytoskeleton, microtubules are made of alpha and beta-tubulin subunits. Both alpha and beta tubulin are subject to post-translational modifications (PTMs) which can alter the function or dynamics of microtubules. Because microtubules are involved in a variety of cellular functions from intracellular transport to maintaining cell shape, it is important to understand the different types of PTMs and protein-tubulin interactions that occur. In order to study protein-protein interactions in the context of microtubules, we detail our work for the installation of a photocrosslinker into alpha-tubulin. Upon UV exposure, the photocrosslinker becomes reactive and can irreversibly attach to nearby proteins. Thus we believe that the successful incorporation and application of the photocrosslinker can reveal novel protein interactors of tubulin and microtubules.