# ACETYLATED TUBULIN IN DEVELOPING AND AGING RAT BRAIN

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 1993 · $10,870

## Abstract

Neuronal function and plasticity require the capacity to stabilize
certain microtubule populations, as well as the ability to make new
microtubules.  Microtubules are also essential for the maintenance of
mature neuronal form and function.  Abnormalities observed in aging
brain (loss of dendritic spines, loss of plasticity) may result from
abnormal modulation of microtubule stability.  Thus understanding the
regulation of neuronal form and function will depend at least partially
in understanding the mechanisms that regulate microtubule assembly and
stability.  Microtubules comprised of tubulin that has been acetylated
have been shown to be more stable.  To determine whether tubulin
acetylation regulates microtubule stability in neurons, we will
acetylate brain microtubules in vitro, and determine whether their
cold-stability is altered either directly, or indirectly due to effects
on the binding of microtubule-associated proteins.  Microtubules or
structures containg acetylated tubulin will be analyzed morphologically,
immunochemically and biochemically in cold-stable fractions already
identified in bovine brain homogenate as enriched for acetylated
tubulin.  For a total profile, we will quantify total and acetylated
tubulin, and the enzymes that regulate the levels of the latter, during
postnatal rat brain development, maturation, and senescence. Experiments
such as these, that attempt to identify regulatory mechanisms in
neuronal microtubule assembly, are essential for understanding the
regulation of normal neuronal form and function, and how these may be
altered in aged and diseased brain.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3121599
- **Project number:** 5R01AG009683-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **SAM.gov UEI:** YND4PLMC9AN7
- **Principal Investigator:** HELEN KIM
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $10,870
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1991-09-01 → 1994-05-01

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3121599

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3121599, ACETYLATED TUBULIN IN DEVELOPING AND AGING RAT BRAIN (5R01AG009683-03). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3121599. Licensed CC0.

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