A novel role for hGas7b in microtubular maintenance: possible implication in tau-associated pathology in Alzheimer disease

J Biol Chem. 2009 Nov 20;284(47):32695-9. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M109.035998. Epub 2009 Sep 30.

Abstract

Here, we report a novel role for hGas7b (human growth arrest specific protein 7b) in the regulation of microtubules. Using a bioinformatic approach, we studied the actin-binding protein hGas7b with a structural similarity to the WW domain of a peptidyl prolyl cis/trans isomerase, Pin1, that facilitates microtubule assembly. Thus, we have demonstrated that hGas7b binds Tau at the WW motif and that the hGas7b/Tau protein complex interacts with the microtubules, promoting tubulin polymerization. Tau, in turn, contributes to protein stability of hGas7b. Furthermore, we observed decreased levels of hGas7b in the brains from patients with Alzheimer disease. These results suggest an important role for hGas7b in microtubular maintenance and possible implication in Alzheimer disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism*
  • Amino Acid Motifs
  • Animals
  • Brain / metabolism
  • COS Cells
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Computational Biology
  • DNA, Complementary / metabolism
  • Databases, Protein
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Microfilament Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Microfilament Proteins / physiology*
  • Microtubules / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / physiology*
  • Tubulin / chemistry
  • tau Proteins / chemistry*

Substances

  • DNA, Complementary
  • GAS7 protein, human
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Tubulin
  • tau Proteins