Microtubule-Associated Proteins: Structuring the Cytoskeleton
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Visualizing the Actin and Microtubule Cytoskeletons at the B-cell Immune Synapse Using Stimulated Emission Depletion STED Microscopy
Published on: April 9, 2018
Satish Bodakuntla1, A S Jijumon1, Cristopher Villablanca2
1Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) Research University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France; Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France.
Abstract:
Microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) were initially discovered as proteins that bind to and stabilize microtubules. Today, an ever-growing number of MAPs reveals a more complex picture of these proteins as organizers of the microtubule cytoskeleton that have a large variety of functions. MAPs enable microtubules to participate in a plethora of cellular processes such as the assembly of mitotic and meiotic spindles, neuronal development, and the formation of the ciliary axoneme. Although some subgroups of MAPs have been exhaustively characterized, a strikingly large number of MAPs remain barely characterized other than their interactions with microtubules. We provide a comprehensive view on the currently known MAPs in mammals. We discuss their molecular mechanisms and functions, as well as their physiological role and links to pathologies.
More Related Videos
07:52Live Cell Imaging of Microtubule Cytoskeleton and Micromechanical Manipulation of the Arabidopsis Shoot Apical Meristem
Published on: May 23, 2020
08:13Spatiotemporal Subcellular Manipulation of the Microtubule Cytoskeleton in the Living Preimplantation Mouse Embryo using Photostatins
Published on: November 30, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Structural Protein Function
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
Structural Protein Function
Microtubules
Protein and Protein Structure
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme...
Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures
Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs)