The major α-tubulin K40 acetyltransferase αTAT1 promotes rapid ciliogenesis and efficient mechanosensation

摘要: Long-lived microtubules found in ciliary axonemes, neuronal processes, and migrating cells are marked by α-tubulin acetylation on lysine 40, a modification that takes place inside the microtubule lumen. The physiological importance of remains elusive. Here, we identify BBSome-associated protein name αTAT1, with highly specific K40 acetyltransferase activity catalytic preference for over free tubulin. In mammalian cells, αTAT1 is necessary sufficient acetylation. Remarkably, universally exclusively conserved ciliated organisms, required axonemal normal kinetics primary cilium assembly. Caenorhabditis elegans, most prominent touch receptor neurons (TRNs) MEC-17, homolog its paralog αTAT-2 two distinct types sensation. Furthermore, animals lacking αTAT-2, sole C. elegans K40α-tubulin MEC-12, sensation can be restored expression an acetyl-mimic MEC-12[K40Q]. We conclude major possibly mammals nematodes, tubulin plays role several microtubule-based processes.