Microtubule‐associated proteins as direct crosslinkers of actin filaments and microtubules. Issue 6 (24th June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mohan, Renu; John, Annie
• Is Part Of: IUBMB life. Volume 67:Issue 6(2015:Jun.)
• Page Start: 395
• Page End: 403
• Publication Date: 2015-06-24
• Subjects: Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1002/iub.1384
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1521-6543

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>The cytoskeletal polymers—actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments—are interlinked by coordinated protein interactions to form a complex three‐dimensional cytoskeletal network. Association of actin filaments with microtubules is important for various cellular processes such as cell division, migration, vesicle and organelle transport, and axonal growth. Several proteins including signaling molecules, motor proteins, and proteins directly or indirectly associated with microtubules and actin are involved in bridging the cytoskeletal components. Microtubule‐associated proteins (MAPs) belonging to the MAP1, 2, 4 family and Tau proteins have been identified as key players that directly crosslink the two cytoskeletons. This review summarizes the current understanding of the interactions of these MAPs with actin filaments and their role in forming the actin–microtubule network and further discusses how the <italic>in vitro</italic> reconstitution assays can be used to study the dynamics of coordinated networks. Understanding the mechanisms by which actin and microtubules interact is key to decipher cancer, wound healing, and neuronal regeneration. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(6):395–403, 2015</p> </abstract>