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Dynamic turnover of microtubules plays a critical role in cell growth and division. This book describes computational models that accurately describe assembly dynamics and energetics within the microtubule polymer lattice. These models serve as tools to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying observed dynamic polymer reorganization. As a first approach to building a mathematical model that recapitulates the dynamic instability of microtubules, Dr. VanBuren describes a simple Monte Carlo state model able to simulate microtubule growth or shortening. This simple model was used to estimate lateral and longitudinal bond energies for tubulin subunits within the lattice, representing the first estimation of these bond energies. The model was then expanded to allow switching between states. As the initial 2-dimensional modeling showed the importance of microtubule structure in regulating dynamics, Dr. VanBuren then describes a 3-dimensional model that made use of previous estimates for lateral, longitudinal, and kinking energies. The latter model proved useful in making predictions about the relationship between mechanical and kinetic properties of microtubules.

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Dr. VanBuren earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Lehigh University in 2002. He completed postdoctoral training at the National Institute on Aging in 2006, and is presently a member of the faculty in the Department of Systems Biology and Translational Medicine at the Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine. Dr. VanBuren lives in Georgetown, TX.

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