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Implications of the sequence similarities between tau and myelin basic protein
J Karthigasan1, H Inouye, D A Kirschner
1Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Medical Hypotheses
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Myelin basic protein (MBP) contains novel sequences homologous to tau protein, suggesting potential roles in central nervous system (CNS) myelin structure and function. These findings highlight conserved interactions within myelin.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Myelin basic protein (MBP) and cytoskeletal proteins like actin and tubulin are found in the radial component (RC) of central nervous system (CNS) myelin.
- The radial component is an interlamellar junctional specialization within CNS myelin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential specific interactions between MBP and other myelin constituents.
- To identify sequences in MBP homologous to those in the tubulin-binding protein tau.
Main Methods:
- Sequence homology searches were performed between MBP and tau protein.
- Physicochemical properties and predicted secondary structures of relevant peptides were analyzed.
Main Results:
- MBP contains sequence motifs (-RSP- and -KPGFG-) homologous to tau's phosphorylation and tubulin-binding sites.
- The -KPGFG- motif is unique to MBP, conserved across species, and its peptide is hydrophilic and surface-accessible.
- Predicted structures suggest these motifs are available for interactions.
Conclusions:
- Putative phosphorylation and tubulin-binding sites in MBP may have functional roles in CNS myelin analogous to tau's functions.
- These findings suggest novel interactions and structural contributions of MBP within myelin.