MAP2
MAP2 (microtubule associated protein 2) is a member of the microtubule-associated protein family, thought to stabilise microtubules and to take part in microtubule assembly during neurogenesis. The gene is also referred to by the aliases MAP2A, MAP2B and MAP2C. Browse Assay Genie's current range of MAP2 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
MAP2 belongs to the microtubule-associated protein (MAP) family. UniProt notes that the exact function of MAP2 is unknown, but MAPs may stabilise microtubules against depolymerisation and appear to have a stiffening effect on microtubules. The family is also thought to be involved in microtubule assembly, an essential step in neurogenesis.
The MAP2 protein localises to the cytoplasm, where it associates with the cytoskeleton, and to dendrites, which are cell projections. The products of similar genes in rat and mouse are neuron-specific cytoskeletal proteins enriched in dendrites. This points to a role in determining and stabilising dendritic shape during neuron development. The mouse and rat orthologs are both named Map2.
The MAP2 gene is classified by HGNC within the A-kinase anchoring proteins gene group. Alternative splicing of the gene is reported to give rise to distinct isoforms, and the aliases MAP2A, MAP2B and MAP2C appear in the nomenclature. Researchers studying neuronal cytoskeletal organisation, dendrite development and microtubule dynamics often work with MAP2, whether as an antibody target, an ELISA analyte or a recombinant protein.
MAP family proteins are thought to be involved in microtubule assembly, an essential step in neurogenesis, making MAP2 relevant to neuronal development studies.
Rodent MAP2 orthologs are enriched in dendrites, implicating the protein in determining and stabilising dendritic shape during neuron development.
MAPs may stabilise microtubules against depolymerisation and stiffen them, so MAP2 is a subject in studies of cytoskeletal mechanics.
MAP2 is a cytoskeletal protein of the cytoplasm and dendrites, and is studied as part of neuron-specific cytoskeletal organisation.
The exact function of MAP2 is unknown, but microtubule-associated proteins may stabilise microtubules against depolymerisation and appear to stiffen them. The family is thought to contribute to microtubule assembly in neurogenesis, and MAP2 is implicated in stabilising dendritic shape during neuron development.
MAP2A, MAP2B and MAP2C are aliases listed for the MAP2 gene. NCBI Gene reports that alternative splicing produces distinct isoforms of the protein, so these names are associated with the products of a single gene rather than separate loci.
Yes. Both mouse and rat have an ortholog named Map2. The products of these genes are described as neuron-specific cytoskeletal proteins enriched in dendrites. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other microtubule-associated proteins and similarly named MAP kinase pathway members with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P11137; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.