A team of scientists has identified the molecular mechanism behind a protein called PLP2 that is essential for the maintenance of cytoskeletal proteins. The findings, reported in the journal Nature Communications, provide a better understanding of how the cytoskeleton works and could lead to new treatments for diseases caused by the malfunctioning of this cellular structure.

The cytoskeleton is a complex network of proteins that helps to maintain the shape of cells and also plays a role in cell movement, communication, and other processes. The protein PLP2 is involved in regulating the cytoskeleton, and mutations in this protein can cause a range of diseases including muscular dystrophy. Until now, the mechanism by which PLP2 functioned was not well understood.

In this new study, researchers used a combination of biochemical, cellular, and structural approaches to reveal the molecular basis of PLP2-mediated cytoskeletal protein regulation. They found that PLP2 binds to certain cytoskeletal proteins and helps to protect them from damage. This binding occurs via a unique protein-protein interaction that has not been seen before. The findings suggest that PLP2 could be a potential target for therapeutic interventions for diseases caused by cytoskeletal dysfunction.

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source: Phys.org