Cytoplasmic Linker Associated Protein 2 (CLASP2)

CLIP170 and CLIP115 are cytoplasmic linker proteins that associate specifically with the ends of growing microtubules and may act as anticatastrophe factors.CLASP2 shares approximately 75% identity with the KIAA0627 protein. There are several CLASP isoforms due to alternative splicing. Northern blot analysis of mouse tissues detected highest expression of Clasp1 in brain, heart, and testis, while Clasp2 mRNAs were enriched in the brain. The Clasp2-beta transcript appeared to be brain-specific. Antibody injections suggested that CLASP2 is required for the orientation of stabilized microtubules toward the leading edge. The authors proposed that CLASPs are involved in the local regulation of microtubule dynamics in response to positional cues.