Stabilization of microtubules by encapsulation of the GFP using a Tau-derived peptide.

We constructed GFP-encapsulated microtubules (MTs) using a Tau-derived peptide which binds to their interior. The encapsulation of the GFP dramatically increased the rigidity of MTs, resulting in their enhanced velocity on a kinesin-coated substrate. Moreover, the GFP-encapsulated MTs were significantly more stable than normal MTs.