The alpha tubulin acetyltransferase atat-2 genetically interacts with klp-4 in C. elegans

TL;DR

This study explores how microtubule acetylation and kinesin function interact in C. elegans using genetic and pharmacological methods.

Contribution

The paper identifies a genetic interaction between atat-2 and klp-4 in C. elegans, linking microtubule acetylation to kinesin activity in vivo.

Findings

A genetic interaction was found between atat-2 and klp-4 in C. elegans.

Microtubule acetylation status affects kinesin function in a living organism.

Pharmacological and genetic approaches were combined to study tubulin code interactions.

Abstract

Microtubules dynamics are in part regulated by post-translational modification, including acetylation. Little is known about the relationship between microtubule acetylation status and how this affects kinesin function, especially
in vivo
. Using a series of aldicarb sensitivity assays in

C. elegans

where we combined pharmacological manipulation of microtubule dynamics with genetic approaches, we demonstrate a specific genetic interaction between the alpha tubulin acetyltransferase

atat-2

and the kinesin motor

klp-4

. Our work highlights interactions between kinesin activity and the tubulin code
in vivo and
lays the foundation of future work on these two parallel, yet related processes in cells.

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