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

**Authors:** Claire E. Reist, Michael D. Webb, Cortlen M. Mathews, Jay N. Pieczynski

PMC · DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001536 · 2025-04-11

## 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.

## Key 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.

## Linked entities

- **Genes:** atat-2 (Alpha-tubulin N-acetyltransferase 2) [NCBI Gene 180852], klp-4 (Kinesin motor domain-containing protein) [NCBI Gene 180608]
- **Chemicals:** aldicarb (PubChem CID 9570071)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** klp-4 (Kinesin motor domain-containing protein) [NCBI Gene 180608], atat-2 (Alpha-tubulin N-acetyltransferase 2) [NCBI Gene 180852]
- **Chemicals:** aldicarb (MESH:D000448)
- **Species:** C. elegans [taxon 328850]

## Figures

1 figure with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12032554/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12032554