The murine Gcap14 gene encodes a novel microtubule binding and bundling protein.
Microtubules form flexible fibers, which are utilized in cell proliferation and differentiation. Although the flexibility of microtubules was shown to be regulated by various microtubule-associated proteins, this regulation is still far from complete understanding. Here, we report a new potential regulator of microtubules in mammals. Gcap14 colocalizes with microtubules in mammalian cells transfected with Gcap14 expression vector. Association of Gcap14 with microtubules was confirmed by biochemical subcellular fractionation. Recombinant Gcap14 protein cosedimented with pure microtubules, indicating a direct binding between the two. Furthermore, recombinant Gcap14 was shown to have the ability of inducing microtubule bundling in vitro.
Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Japan.
Hitomi
H
Hosono
Nao
N
Yamaguchi
Kenzi
K
Oshima
Tsukasa
T
Matsuda
Daita
D
Nadano
D000818:Animals; D019556:COS Cells; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D051604:Guanylate Cyclase-Activating Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008868:Microtubule Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D011485:Protein Binding; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D018076:DNA, Complementary; D051604:Guanylate Cyclase-Activating Proteins; D008868:Microtubule Proteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins