Microtubule-associated proteins

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| header1 = Identifiers

| label2 = Symbol | data2 = MAP

| label3 = Pfam | data3 = PF00237 | class3 = pfam | label4 = Pfam clan | data4 = | class5 = ECOD | label5 = ECOD | data5 = | label6 = InterPro | data6 = IPR001084 | label7 = SMART | data7 = | label8 = PROSITE | data8 = | label9 = CATH | data9 = | label10 = MEROPS | data10 = | label11 = SCOP2 | data11 = | label12 = TCDB | data12 = | label13 = OPM superfamily | data13 = | label14 = OPM protein | data14 = | label15 = CAZy | data15 = | label16 = CDD | data16 = | label18 = Membranome | data18 =

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Available protein structures:
Pfam	structures / ECOD
PDB	RCSB PDB; PDBe; PDBj
PDBsum	structure summary
PDB

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Microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) are a diverse group of proteins that interact with the microtubules of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells. These proteins play crucial roles in the stabilization, assembly, and regulation of microtubules, which are essential for various cellular processes such as mitosis, intracellular transport, and cell motility.

Structure and Function

Microtubules are cylindrical structures composed of tubulin dimers. MAPs bind to the surface of microtubules and influence their dynamics. The primary functions of MAPs include:

• Stabilization: MAPs such as tau protein and MAP2 stabilize microtubules by binding along their sides, preventing depolymerization.
• Regulation of Dynamics: MAPs can either promote or inhibit the polymerization and depolymerization of microtubules, thus regulating their dynamic instability.
• Interaction with Other Proteins: MAPs serve as platforms for the interaction of microtubules with other cellular components, facilitating processes like vesicle transport and signal transduction.

Types of Microtubule-associated Proteins

MAPs are classified into several families based on their structure and function:

MAP1 Family

The MAP1 family includes MAP1A and MAP1B, which are involved in the stabilization of microtubules in neurons. These proteins are essential for neuronal development and axon guidance.

MAP2 Family

MAP2 is predominantly found in the dendrites of neurons and plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of dendritic microtubules. It is involved in synaptic plasticity and memory formation.

Tau Proteins

Tau proteins are primarily located in the axons of neurons. They stabilize axonal microtubules and are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, where abnormal tau phosphorylation leads to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles.

MAP4

MAP4 is a ubiquitously expressed MAP that stabilizes microtubules in non-neuronal cells. It is involved in cell division and cytokinesis.

Role in Disease

Abnormalities in MAP function or expression can lead to various diseases:

• Neurodegenerative Diseases: Altered tau protein function is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies.
• Cancer: Dysregulation of MAPs can affect cell division, contributing to tumorigenesis.
• Cardiovascular Diseases: MAP4 has been implicated in the regulation of cardiac muscle contraction and heart failure.

Research and Therapeutic Implications

Understanding the role of MAPs in cellular processes and disease mechanisms is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies. Research is ongoing to:

• Develop tau-targeting therapies for Alzheimer's disease.
• Explore MAP inhibitors as potential anticancer agents.
• Investigate the role of MAPs in cardiovascular health.

Conclusion

Microtubule-associated proteins are vital for the proper functioning of cellular microtubules. Their diverse roles in stabilizing and regulating microtubules make them key players in maintaining cellular integrity and function. Ongoing research continues to uncover their complex roles in health and disease.

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