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    Trends Biochem Sci. 2009 Jul;34(7):332-42. Epub 2009 Jun 24.

    The tau of MARK: a polarized view of the cytoskeleton.

    Source

    Max-Planck-Unit for Structural Molecular Biology, Hamburg, Germany. matenia@mpasmb.desy.de

    Abstract

    Microtubule-affinity regulating kinases (MARKs) were originally discovered by their ability to phosphorylate tau protein and related microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), and thereby to regulate microtubule dynamics in neurons. Members of the MARK (also known as partition-defective [Par]-1 kinase) family were subsequently found to be highly conserved and to have key roles in cell processes such as determination of polarity, cell-cycle control, intracellular signal transduction, transport and cytoskeleton. This is important for neuronal differentiation, but is also prominent in neurodegenerative 'tauopathies' such as Alzheimer's disease. The identified functions of MARK/Par-1 are diverse and require accurate regulation. Recent discoveries including the x-ray structure of human MARKs contributed to an increased understanding of the mechanisms that control the kinase activity and, thus, the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton.

    PMID:
    19559622
    [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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