Visualization of the interaction between Gbetagamma and tubulin during light-induced cell elongation of Blepharisma japonicum.

Blepharisma japonicum ciliates display reversible cell elongation in response to lasting bright illumination. This light-induced phenomenon has been ascribed to the active sliding of the cortical microtubules of the ciliate. The detailed intracellular signaling pathway that activates the microtubule network in response to light, resulting in cell elongation, is unknown.