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Cell Structure: The Cytoskeleton

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CancerQuest > Introduction to Cancer Biology > Cells and Cell Structure > Cell Structure: The Cytoskeleton > Cell Structure: Cytoskeletal Function

Cell Structure: Cytoskeletal Function

The image below shows both the actin fibers and microtubules in cow endothelial cells showing their prevalence and structure. The actin fibers are red, the microtubules are yellow and the nuclei of the cells have been stained blue.

 

The cytoskeleton serves several key functions:

• It supplies structure to cells and acts as a scaffolding for the attachment of many organelles.
• It is responsible for the ability of cells to move.
• It is required for the proper division of cells during cellular reproduction.

As we will see, changes in the cytoskeleton are observed in cancer cells. Cancer cells often show increased movement. In fact, metastatic spread of cancer is dependent on tumor cells that invade neighboring tissues.

The essential role of the cytoskeleton in the proliferation of cells has led to the use of drugs that inhibit the cytoskeleton as anti-cancer drugs. Examples of drugs that interfere with cytoskeletal function include Taxol® and vinblastine.

More on cytoskeletal inhibitors in cancer treatment.

The image on this page was used with the permission of the copyright owner, Molecular Probes..