Genetically separable functions of the MEC-17 tubulin acetyltransferase affect microtubule organization.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Microtubules (MTs) are formed from the lateral association of 11-16 protofilament chains of tubulin dimers, with most cells containing 13-protofilament (13-p) MTs. How these different MTs are formed is unknown, although the number of protofilaments may depend on the nature of the α- and β-tubulins.

Results

Here we show that the enzymatic activity of the Caenorhabiditis elegans α-tubulin acetyltransferase (α-TAT) MEC-17 allows the production of 15-p MTs in the touch receptor neurons (TRNs) MTs. Without MEC-17, MTs with between 11 and 15 protofilaments are seen. Loss of this enzymatic activity also changes the number and organization of the TRN MTs and affects TRN axonal morphology. In contrast, enzymatically inactive MEC-17 is sufficient for touch sensitivity and p

SUBMITTER: Topalidou I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3382010 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature