Calmodulin-regulated spectrin-associated protein family member 3 (CAMSAP3) is a human protein encoded by the gene CAMSAP3. The protein is commonly referred to as Nezha.
Function
CAMSAP3 acts as a minus-end anchor of
microtubules
Microtubules are polymers of tubulin that form part of the cytoskeleton and provide structure and shape to eukaryotic cells. Microtubules can be as long as 50 micrometres, as wide as 23 to 27 nm and have an inner diameter between 11 an ...
, and binds to them through its CKK domain.
In
epithelial cells
Epithelium or epithelial tissue is a thin, continuous, protective layer of cells with little extracellular matrix. An example is the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Epithelial ( mesothelial) tissues line the outer surfaces of man ...
, it anchors microtubules to the apical cortex, causing them to grow in an apical-to-basal direction.
This gives the epithelial cells their rectangular shape.
In other species
In early mouse embryogenesis, the interphase bridge linking sister cells is enriched with CAMSAP3.
See also
*
CAMSAP1
*
CAMSAP2
References
{{Cytoskeletal proteins