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Beyond Neuronal Microtubule Stabilization: MAP6 and CRMPS, Two Converging Stories
Camille Cuveillier1, Benoit Boulan1, Charlotte Ravanello1
1Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, CEA-IRIG, CNRS, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Grenoble, France.
Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience
|May 24, 2021
Summary
Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs), like MAP6, are crucial for central nervous system development and function, acting as signaling platforms beyond their structural roles in microtubules and actin.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Microtubule (MT) and actin cytoskeletons are vital for central nervous system (CNS) development and function.
- Cytoskeletons are increasingly recognized as signaling platforms, expanding research into Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs).
- Classical structural MAPs, including MAP1B, MAP2, Tau, and MAP6, were initially identified for their MT-binding and stabilizing roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse molecular and cellular properties of MAPs, focusing on MAP6.
- To explore MAP6's multifaceted roles beyond MT binding, including its impact on actin, neuroreceptor homeostasis, and signaling pathways.
- To discuss MAP6's involvement in synaptic plasticity, brain connectivity, cognitive abilities, and its relationship to integrated brain functions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on MAPs, particularly MAP6.
- Analysis of MAP6's interactions with microtubules and the actin cytoskeleton.
- Examination of MAP6's role in neuroreceptor homeostasis and signaling pathways.
- Discussion of MAP6's contribution to neuronal development, maturation, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive functions.
Main Results:
- MAP6 exhibits diverse molecular and cellular properties, impacting both microtubule and actin cytoskeletons.
- MAP6 plays significant roles in neuroreceptor homeostasis and signaling pathways governing neuron development and maturation.
- MAP6 is implicated in synaptic plasticity, brain connectivity, and cognitive abilities, highlighting its functional versatility.
Conclusions:
- MAP6 serves as a prime example of the functional versatility of MAPs in the CNS.
- Proteins like Collapsin Response Mediator Proteins (CRMPs), not initially identified as MAPs, also bind MTs and share properties with MAP6, broadening the MAP family definition.
- Classical structural MAPs, MAP6, and CRMPs share multiple similarities, necessitating a broader definition of MAPs.
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