Lack of stabilized microtubules as a result of the absence of major maps in CAD cells does not preclude neurite formation.

BISIG CG, CHESTA ME, ZAMPAR GG, PURRO SA, SANTANDER VS, ARCE CA.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY

Año: 2009 vol. 276 p. 7110 - 7110

0014-2956

n many laboratories, the requirement of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) and the stabilization of microtubules for the elongation of neurites has been intensively investigated, with controversial results being obtained. We have observed that the neurite microtubules of Cath.a-differentiated (CAD) cells, a mouse brain derived cell, are highly dynamic structures, and so we analyzed several aspects of the cytoskeleton to investigate the molecular causes of this phenomenon. Microtubules and microfilaments were present in proportions similar to those found in brain tissue and were distributed similarly to those in normal neurons in culture. Neurofilaments were also present. Analysis of tubulin isospecies originating from post-translational modifications revealed an increased amount of tyrosinated tubulin, a diminished amount of the detyrosinated form and a lack of the Delta2 form. This tyrosination pattern is in agreement with highly dynamic microtubules. Using western blot analyses