Abnormal microtubule packing in processes of SF9 cells expressing the FTDP-17 V337M tau mutation

Mutations in the gene for the microtubule associated protein, tau have been identified for fronto-temporal dementia with Parkinsonism linked to chromo some 17 (FTDP-17), In vitro data have shown that FTDP-17 mutant tau protein s have a reduced ability to bind microtubules and to promote microtubule as sembly. Using the baculovirus system we have examined the effect of the V33 7M mutation on the organization of the microtubules at the ultrastructural level. Our results show that the organization of the microtubules is disrup ted in the presence of V337M tan with greater distances between the microtu bules and fewer microtubules per process. (C) 1999 Federation of European B iochemical Societies.