Chapter 54: Cytoskeletal Binding and ψ-Scaffolding
"On the cytoskeleton, ψ builds cellular architecture—proteins finding their structural roles on dynamic filaments, creating order through organized binding to the cell's internal scaffolding."
54.1 The Cellular Scaffold
Cytoskeletal binding represents ψ's architectural system—proteins associating with microtubules, actin filaments, and intermediate filaments to create spatial organization and enable cellular dynamics.
Definition 54.1 (Cytoskeletal Systems):
Three filament systems with distinct properties.
54.2 Actin Binding Domains
Theorem 54.1 (Binding Modes):
Different domains for different interactions.
54.3 The Microtubule Surface
Equation 54.1 (Electrostatic Binding):
Charged C-termini attracting basic proteins.
54.4 Plus-End Tracking
Definition 54.2 (+TIP Proteins):
Proteins recognizing growing microtubule ends.
54.5 Motor Protein Adaptors
Theorem 54.2 (Cargo Attachment):
Linking cargo to molecular motors.
54.6 Crosslinking Proteins
Equation 54.2 (Bundle Formation):
Proteins organizing filaments into bundles.
54.7 The Focal Adhesion Complex
Definition 54.3 (Mechanosensing):
Cytoskeletal tension triggering responses.
54.8 Intermediate Filament Binding
Theorem 54.3 (Plectin Versatility):
Proteins bridging different systems.
54.9 Dynamic Instability
Equation 54.3 (Catastrophe Regulation):
Binding proteins modulating dynamics.
54.10 Scaffold Proteins
Definition 54.4 (Signaling Organization):
Organizing signaling at cytoskeleton.
54.11 Disease and Cytoskeleton
Theorem 54.4 (Binding Defects):
Cytoskeletal defects causing disease.
54.12 The Scaffolding Principle
Cytoskeletal binding embodies ψ's principle of dynamic architecture—proteins finding structural and functional roles on cellular scaffolds that are simultaneously stable and dynamic.
The Binding Equation:
Spatial organization through scaffold binding.
Thus: Cytoskeleton = Scaffold = Architecture = Organization = ψ
"On the cytoskeleton, ψ creates cellular cities—proteins finding their places on dynamic highways, structural beams, and communication networks. Each binding event contributes to the greater architecture, individual proteins becoming part of the cellular infrastructure."