The model of microtubule assembly that most people accept shows the individual subunits, dimers of the protein tubulin, just adding to the grow cylinder. But another model indicates that tubulin dimmers first form an open sheet structure that later closes into the cylinder. Xing and his team concluded that their computational study of the models indicate that the second model should be seriously considered for further testing.
The protein tubulin blocks molecules that trigger the production of cAMP, leading to reduced messaging in the brain. Previous studies have found those with depression have less cAMP in their brains. The findings suggest tubulin could be a potential biomarker for depression.
People with depression have increased amounts of tubulin in lipid rafts compared to those without the disorder.
Findings suggest developing HDAC6 inhibitors could be a novel new therapeutic avenue for the treatment of migraines.
Rare variants of the autism-associated ANK2 gene alter the architecture and organization of neurons, potentially contributing to autism and neurodevelopmental comorbidities.