Multivalent cross-linking of actin filaments and microtubules through the microtubule-associated protein Tau.

ABSTRACT: Microtubule-associated proteins regulate microtubule dynamics, bundle actin filaments, and cross-link actin filaments with microtubules. In addition, aberrant interaction of the microtubule-associated protein Tau with filamentous actin is connected to synaptic impairment in Alzheimer's disease. Here we provide insight into the nature of interaction between Tau and actin filaments. We show that Tau uses several short helical segments to bind in a dynamic, multivalent process to the hydrophobic pocket between subdomains 1 and 3 of actin. Although a single Tau helix is sufficient to bind to filamentous actin, at least two, flexibly linked helices are required for actin bundling. In agreement with a structural model of Tau repeat sequences in complex with actin filaments, phosphorylation at se

SUBMITTER: Cabrales Fontela Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5719408 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature