Microtubule-associated protein

Function

Microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) is recruited to autophagosomal membranes during autophagy^[1]. The human LC3B is cleaved after synthesis to expose a C-terminal glycine which binds via a phospholipid anchor to autophagosomal vesicle membranes during autophagy. Thus detection of LC3 is a reliable method for monitoring autophagy. The microtubule-associated proteins are classified as 2 types. Type 1 includes MAP1 and type 2 includes MAP2, MAP4 and Tau protein.

• MAP1 are classical microtubule-associated proteins which bind along microtubule lattice^[2].
  
• Tau protein is the principal component of the tangles found in Alzheimer's disease. It is hyperphosphorylated on serines and threonines^[3].

Disease

Microtubule-associated protein Tau is associated with Alzheimer Disease. Tau forms abnormal aggregates in patients' tissues. Mutations in tau protein are associated with neurodegenerative diseases like frontotemporal dementia^[4].

Structural highlights

LC3 recognizes a sequestosome peptide which is a preferred target for autophagy and binds at the surface of LC3^[5].