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Structural comparison of assemblies from brain microtubule proteins of different vertebrates
P Steinmetzer1, K J Böhm, W Vater
1Central Institute of Microbiology and Experimental Therapy, Academy of Sciences of the GDR, Jena.
Abstract:
Formerly, we reported for microtubule protein (MTP), i.e. tubulin plus microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), from porcine brain that the protofilament number of microtubules and the percentage of aberrant assemblies depend on taxol and MAP activity (Böhm et al., BBA 800, 119, 1984). Now, it is demonstrated that these effects can be also observed when MTPs from other higher vertebrate brains (Guinea pig, mouse chicken) were used. Comparing the structural features of assemblies formed from these kinds of MTP with each other no significant differences were found, excepted chicken MTP which produces more aberrant assemblies in the presence of taxol.
Insights
Microtubule protein (MTP) from various vertebrate brains, including pigs, guinea pigs, mice, and chickens, influences microtubule assembly. Chicken MTP showed more aberrant assemblies with taxol compared to others.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Microtubule protein (MTP), comprising tubulin and microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), plays a crucial role in cellular structure.
- Previous research indicated MTP from porcine brain influences microtubule assembly dynamics based on taxol and MAP activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if MTP from other higher vertebrate brains exhibit similar taxol-dependent effects on microtubule assembly.
- To compare the structural features of MTP assemblies across different vertebrate species.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of MTP from porcine, guinea pig, mouse, and chicken brains.
- In vitro assembly of microtubules in the presence of taxol.
- Analysis of protofilament number and aberrant assembly formation.
Main Results:
- MTP from guinea pig, mouse, and chicken brains demonstrated taxol-dependent effects on microtubule assembly, similar to porcine MTP.
- Structural comparisons revealed no significant differences in MTP assemblies between species.
- Chicken MTP uniquely produced a higher percentage of aberrant assemblies when treated with taxol.
Conclusions:
- The observed effects of taxol on microtubule assembly are conserved across higher vertebrate MTP.
- Chicken MTP exhibits a distinct response to taxol, leading to increased aberrant assembly formation.