Dynamic Instability of Microtubules: The Role of Topological Phonon Modes

Abstract

Dynamic instability and the action of taxol on microtubules are yet not understood. However microtubules and dynamic instability are one of the best targets for cancer drugs. The main idea of the presentation is that the edge of the microtubules may display remarkable properties called topological phonon states. Recently, a new class o materials, topological insulators, has been discovered. These materials are insulators in bulk but they have the extraordinary property that, if an edge is cut, electronic states appears at the edge. We advanced the idea that MTs have similar properties but with phonon states rather than electrical. This edge states are consequences of the unusual bulk properties of the microtubules, they cannot be destroyed by any chemical, mechanical etc treatment of the edge and they play a role in DI. Taxol may change the bulk properties of the MTs thus changing the edge states.