MAPT MAPTL MTBT1 TAU Microtubule-associated protein tau Neurofibrillary tangle protein Paired helical filament-tau
Molecular Weight(MW)
78928 Da
Function
Promotes microtubule assembly and stability, and might be involved in the establishment and maintenance of neuronal polarity. The C-terminus binds axonal microtubules while the N- terminus binds neural plasma membrane components, suggesting that tau functions as a linker protein between both. Axonal polarity is predetermined by TAU/MAPT localization (in the neuronal cell) in the domain of the cell body defined by the centrosome. The short isoforms allow plasticity of the cytoskeleton whereas the longer isoforms may preferentially play a role in its stabilization
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in neurons. Isoform PNS-tau is expressed in the peripheral nervous system while the others are expressed in the central nervous system
Cellular Localization
Cytoplasm, cytosol. Cell membrane; Peripheral membrane protein; Cytoplasmic side. Cytoplasm, cytoskeleton. Cell projection, axon. Note=Mostly found in the axons of neurons, in the cytosol and in association with plasma membrane components