Journal Club

Post-translational modification of microtubules by the MATCAP detyrosinase

Science, 2022, Vol. 376, No. 6595

Trimming the cell’s skeleton

An essential part of a cell’s backbone is a dynamic network of microtubules that helps them move, keep their shape, and transport cargo between different compartments. To achieve different cellular functions, microtubules are flagged by posttranslational modifications. Detyrosination of α-tubulin is such an alteration, in which α-tubulin’s terminal tyrosine is cleaved off. Abnormal detyrosination levels are linked to pathological conditions. Landskron et al. describe the enzyme MATCAP as a microtubule-binding protease that can detyrosinate α-tubulin. MATCAP, together with the previously identified detyrosinating vasohibins, is important for normal brain development and function.