| Modification Notes |
Microtubules, the primary component of the cytoskeletal network, interact with proteins called microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). The microtubule-associated proteins can be divided into two groups, structural and dynamic. The MAP proteins function to stimulate tubulin assembly, enhance microtubule stability, influence the spatial distribution of microtubules within cells and utilize microtubule polarity to translocate cellular components. MAP-4 is a non-neuronal microtubule-associated protein that contains three, 18 amino acid repeats that are homologous to the repeats found in several other MAP proteins. Studies have shown that MAP-4 is involved with interphase microtubule, mitotic spindle fibers and mitotic movements. The protein, which promotes microtubule assembly, is primarily expressed in kidney, lung, liver, testis and spleen. |