Open AccessHMWMAP2: New perspectives on a pathway to dendritic identity
Author(s) -
Farah Carole Abi,
Leclerc Nicole
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
cell motility and the cytoskeleton
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1097-0169
pISSN - 0886-1544
DOI - 10.1002/cm.20284
Subject(s) - microtubule , biology , cytoskeleton , microbiology and biotechnology , axon , organelle , polarity (international relations) , cytoplasm , microtubule associated protein , cell polarity , axon guidance , neuroscience , cell , genetics
Neuronal polarity is established by the differentiation of two types of cytoplasmic processes: dendrites and the axon. These processes can be distinguished by their composition in microtubule‐associated proteins, the high molecular weight MAP2 proteins (HMWMAP2) being found in the dendrites and tau proteins in the axon. It is believed that the main contribution of HMWMAP2 to the acquisition and maintenance of dendrites is to promote microtubule assembly and stability. However, recent studies force us to enlarge our view on how HMWMAP2 might contribute to defining the role of the dendritic microtubules. The purpose of this article is to convey our view that HMWMAP2 are important players in defining the contribution of microtubules to dendritic identity by anchoring membranous organelles and signaling proteins to the dendritic microtubules and by being a receptor for neurosteroids. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.