Using computational modeling to understand microtubule dynamics: A primer for cell biologists.

ABSTRACT

Experimental cell biology, biochemistry, and structural biology have provided a wealth of information about microtubule function and mechanism, but we are reaching a limit as to what can be understood from experiment alone. Standard biochemical approaches are not sufficient to make quantitative predictions about microtubule behavior, and they are limited in their ability to test existing conceptual models of microtubule mechanism. Because microtubules are so complex, achieving a deep understanding of microtubule behavior and mechanism will require the input of mathematical and computational modeling. However, this type of analysis can be daunting to the uninitiated. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a straightforward introduction to the various types of modeling and how they can be used to study microtubule function, dynamics, and mechanism.