The function of the microtubule-associated protein tau is variably modulated by graded changes in glycogen synthase kinase-3beta activity.
The microtubule-associated protein tau favors microtubule nucleation and stabilization and plays a role in the elongation of axons. We have investigated the ability of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) to control tau-induced processes outgrowth. Tau-transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells developed processes containing microtubule bundles after cytochalasin treatment, but a significant reduction in the number of cells harboring processes was observed in tau/GSK-3beta-co-transfected cells. Lithium, an inhibitor of GSK-3beta, counteracted in a dose-dependent manner this inhibitory effect of GSK-3beta. These findings suggest that GSK-3beta modulates in a graded manner the ability of tau to control the microtubule-dependent induction of cell processes.
Leroy
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K
Laboratory of Pathology and Electron Microscopy, Universit¿e Libre de Bruxelles, School of Medecine, 808, route de Lennik, Bldg C-10, 1070, Brussels, Belgium.
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Dayanandan
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Anderton
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D000818:Animals; D016466:CHO Cells; D017871:Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D002453:Cell Cycle; D006224:Cricetinae; D003571:Cytochalasin B / Q000494:pharmacology; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D038362:Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3; D038341:Glycogen Synthase Kinases; D015151:Immunoblotting; D008094:Lithium / Q000494:pharmacology; D010766:Phosphorylation; D014162:Transfection; D016875:tau Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D016875:tau Proteins; D003571:Cytochalasin B; D008094:Lithium; D038341:Glycogen Synthase Kinases; D017871:Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases; D038362:Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3