Self-Assembly of the Brain MAP-2 Microtubule-Binding Region into Polymeric Structures Resembling Alzheimer Filaments

Authors: Zhang E.Y.¹; Deture M.A.¹; Bubb M.R.²; Caviston T.L.¹; Erdos G.W.³; Whittaker S.D.³; Purich D.L.¹

Source: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Volume 229, Number 1, December 1996 , pp. 176-181(6)

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Abstract:

The neuronal microtubule-associated protein known as MAP-2 has not been considered to be a subunit of paired helical filaments (PHFs) in neurofibrillary tangles seen in Alzheimer's Disease. We now describe the assembly of paired helical filament-like structures from MAP-2's 203-residue microtubule-binding region (MTBR). SDS gel electrophoresis and equilibrium ultracentrifugation suggest that a dimeric form, cross-linked by an interchain disulfide, is involved in polymerization. MAP-2 MTBR polymers bind thioflavin-S, a dye used to histochemically localize Alzheimer neurofibrillary tangles. Our finding that PHF-like structures assemble from a MAP-2 fragment raises new questions about MAP-2's role in the etiology of Alzheimer's Disease.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610-0245 2: College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610-0245 3: Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610-0245

Publication date: 1996-12-01