HUNTINGTONS-DISEASE GENE-PRODUCT, HUNTINGTIN, ASSOCIATES WITH MICROTUBULES IN-VITRO

The gene responsible for Huntington's disease produces a large protein with a molecular weight of approximate to 350 k, designated huntingti n. Here, we report that the protein can associate in vitro with the mi crotubules. Through the process of assembly and disassembly of microtu bules, both wild-type and mutant huntingtin associate with microtubule s to almost the same degree. Huntingtin does not bind to the tubulin-a ffinity column directly. Huntingtin appears to interact with polymeriz ed tubulin. These results suggest that huningtin may have a role in in tracellular organelle transport or axonal transport by its association with microtubules. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.