MAP7D3 (MAP7 domain-containing protein 3, also known as MDP3) is a microtubule-associated protein belonging to the MAP7 family. It promotes microtubule assembly and stability through direct binding to tubulin and microtubules via two distinct regions: N-terminal coiled-coil domains and a C-terminal MAP7 domain with C-terminal tail. The C-terminal region (MDCT) binds microtubules with Kd ~3.0 uM by engaging the tubulin C-terminal tails and competes with tau for overlapping binding sites. MAP7D3 also recruits and activates kinesin-1 motor protein through its MAP7 domain, enhancing kinesin-1 landing rate and processivity on microtubules. Unlike other MAP7 family members, MAP7D3 can be co-transported with kinesin-1 due to its higher kinesin affinity and lower microtubule affinity. Additionally, MAP7D3 modulates HDAC6 activity to maintain tubulin acetylation. The protein localizes to the mitotic spindle and microtubule cytoskeleton throughout mitosis, with expression varying during the cell cycle.
| GO Term | Evidence | Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
|
GO:0000226
microtubule cytoskeleton organization
|
IBA
GO_REF:0000033 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: IBA annotation based on phylogenetic inference. MAP7D3 is a well-established member of the MAP7 family that regulates microtubule organization through promoting assembly and stability (PMID:22142902, PMID:24927501). This annotation is supported by experimental evidence from other annotations and is phylogenetically consistent with MAP7 family function.
Reason: The IBA annotation accurately captures MAP7D3's role in microtubule cytoskeleton organization. Direct experimental evidence demonstrates that MAP7D3 regulates cellular microtubule assembly in cold recovery and nocodazole washout assays (PMID:22142902) and promotes microtubule polymerization in vitro (PMID:24927501). This function is conserved across MAP7 family members.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:22142902
Cold recovery and nocodazole washout assays further demonstrated an important role for Mdp3 in regulating cellular microtubule assembly.
PMID:24927501
It was shown to promote the assembly and stability of microtubules in vitro as well as in cells
file:human/MAP7D3/MAP7D3-deep-research-falcon.md
model: Edison Scientific Literature
|
|
GO:0015630
microtubule cytoskeleton
|
IBA
GO_REF:0000033 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: IBA annotation for cellular component localization. MAP7D3 localizes to microtubules throughout mitosis and associates with the microtubule cytoskeleton as demonstrated by immunofluorescence microscopy and cosedimentation assays (PMID:22142902).
Reason: The cellular component annotation is well-supported. Experimental evidence shows MAP7D3 associates with microtubules and localizes to the microtubule cytoskeleton throughout mitosis. UniProt confirms subcellular location at microtubules throughout mitosis.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:22142902
Immunofluorescence microscopy and microtubule cosedimentation assays revealed that Mdp3 also associated with microtubules.
|
|
GO:0000226
microtubule cytoskeleton organization
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000002 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: IEA annotation based on InterPro domain mapping (IPR008604 - MAP7 family). This is a broader automated annotation that is consistent with the IBA and IDA annotations for the same term.
Reason: While this is an automated annotation based on domain presence, it is consistent with experimental evidence and the IBA annotation. The MAP7 domain (IPR008604) is characteristic of proteins involved in microtubule cytoskeleton organization.
|
|
GO:0005819
spindle
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000044 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: IEA annotation from UniProt subcellular location mapping. MAP7D3 was identified in proteome analysis of the mitotic spindle and localizes to the spindle upon overexpression (PMID:15561729, PMID:24927501).
Reason: UniProt explicitly states MAP7D3 localizes to the spindle (Cytoplasm, cytoskeleton, spindle) based on experimental evidence from PMID:15561729. This annotation is appropriately derived from the UniProt subcellular location vocabulary.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:24927501
MAP7D3 was identified during the proteome analysis of mitotic spindle of HeLa cells and shown to localize at the mitotic spindle upon overexpression [25].
|
|
GO:0015630
microtubule cytoskeleton
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000002 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: IEA annotation based on InterPro domain mapping. This is consistent with the IBA annotation for the same cellular component term.
Reason: The automated annotation based on MAP7 family domain presence is consistent with experimental evidence showing MAP7D3 localizes to microtubules. This annotation is appropriately redundant with the IBA annotation.
|
|
GO:0046785
microtubule polymerization
|
IDA
PMID:24927501 C-terminal region of MAP7 domain containing protein 3 (MAP7D... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Direct experimental evidence showing MAP7D3's C-terminal region promotes microtubule polymerization. Yadav et al. (2014) demonstrated that the MDCT fragment containing the MAP7 domain and C-terminal tail promotes tubulin polymerization in vitro through light scattering assays and sedimentation assays.
Reason: This is a core function of MAP7D3. The paper provides compelling in vitro evidence using purified proteins that MAP7D3 promotes microtubule polymerization. The MDCT fragment was shown to promote polymerization more effectively than the individual MD or CT domains, and this activity was dependent on the tubulin C-terminal tail. This represents a more specific annotation than the broader "microtubule cytoskeleton organization" term.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:24927501
a longer fragment MDCT that contained the MAP7 domain (MD) with the C-terminal tail (CT) of the protein promoted microtubule polymerization to a greater extent than MD and CT individually.
PMID:24927501
Tubulin (10 ยตM) was incubated without and with 1, 2 and 4 ยตM MDCT in PEM buffer for 5 min on ice. Subsequently, 1 mM GTP was added to the sample and the assembly kinetics was monitored at 37ยฐC by 90ยฐ light scattering
|
|
GO:0000226
microtubule cytoskeleton organization
|
IDA
PMID:22142902 Mdp3 is a novel microtubule-binding protein that regulates m... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Direct experimental evidence from Sun et al. (2011) demonstrating MAP7D3 (Mdp3) regulates microtubule assembly and stability in cells. Cold recovery and nocodazole washout assays showed its role in cellular microtubule assembly, and the protein enhanced microtubule stability.
Reason: This IDA annotation is well-supported by experimental data. The paper established MAP7D3 as a novel microtubule-binding protein through multiple complementary approaches including GST-pulldown, immunofluorescence, cosedimentation, cold recovery, and nocodazole washout assays. This is a core function of the protein.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:22142902
Cold recovery and nocodazole washout assays further demonstrated an important role for Mdp3 in regulating cellular microtubule assembly. Our data also showed that Mdp3 significantly enhanced the stability of cellular microtubules.
|
|
GO:0008017
microtubule binding
|
IDA
PMID:22142902 Mdp3 is a novel microtubule-binding protein that regulates m... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Core molecular function annotation. Sun et al. (2011) demonstrated direct binding of MAP7D3 to microtubules through multiple experimental approaches including microtubule cosedimentation assays, GST-pulldown, and immunofluorescence microscopy.
Reason: This is the primary molecular function of MAP7D3 as a microtubule-associated protein. The evidence from PMID:22142902 is direct and compelling, showing that MAP7D3 associates with microtubules through its N-terminal coiled-coil domains. Additional support comes from PMID:24927501 showing the C-terminal region also binds microtubules with Kd ~3.0 uM.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:22142902
Immunofluorescence microscopy and microtubule cosedimentation assays revealed that Mdp3 also associated with microtubules. Serial deletion experiments showed that the two coiled coil motifs of Mdp3 were critical for its interaction with tubulin and microtubules.
PMID:24927501
MDCT bound to reconstituted microtubules with an apparent dissociation constant of 3.0 ยฑ 0.5 ยตM.
|
|
GO:0015631
tubulin binding
|
IDA
PMID:22142902 Mdp3 is a novel microtubule-binding protein that regulates m... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Molecular function annotation for direct tubulin binding. GST-pulldown assays demonstrated that MAP7D3 interacts with tubulin both in cells and in vitro (PMID:22142902). Additional evidence from PMID:24927501 shows binding to tubulin C-terminal tails and competition with tau.
Reason: This annotation captures the direct binding of MAP7D3 to tubulin subunits. While microtubule binding (GO:0008017) is also annotated, tubulin binding is distinct as it can refer to binding of soluble tubulin dimers. The evidence shows MAP7D3 binds both soluble tubulin and polymerized microtubules through its coiled-coil domains.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:22142902
by GST-pulldown assays, we found that Mdp3 interacted with tubulin both in cells and in vitro.
PMID:24927501
Competition experiments with tau indicated that MDCT shares its binding site on microtubules with tau.
|
|
GO:0016020
membrane
|
HDA
PMID:19946888 Defining the membrane proteome of NK cells. |
KEEP AS NON CORE |
Summary: HDA annotation from high-throughput mass spectrometry proteomics study of NK cell membranes. MAP7D3 was identified among 1843 proteins in membrane fractions, though it is predicted to be transiently associated with membranes rather than being an integral membrane protein.
Reason: This annotation is not incorrect - MAP7D3 was detected in membrane proteomics experiments. However, MAP7D3 is primarily a cytoskeletal protein that localizes to microtubules and the spindle. The membrane association is likely transient or reflects association with membrane-associated microtubules rather than direct membrane localization. This is not a core localization for the protein. UniProt also lists membrane (HDA) but the primary localization is cytoplasm/cytoskeleton/spindle.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:19946888
The remaining species were largely involved in cellular processes and molecular functions that could be predicted to be transiently associated with membranes.
|
The research report should be a detailed narrative explaining the function, biological processes, and localization of the gene product. Citations should be given for all claims.
You should prioritize authoritative reviews and primary scientific literature when conducting research. You can supplement
this with annotations you find in gene/protein databases, but these can be outdated or inaccurate.
We are specifically interested in the primary function of the gene - for enzymes, what reaction is catalyzed, and what is the substrate specificity? For transporters, what is the substrate? For structural proteins or adapters, what is the broader structural role? For signaling molecules, what is the role in the pathway.
We are interested in where in or outside the cell the gene product carries out its function.
We are also interested in the signaling or biochemical pathways in which the gene functions. We are less interested in broad pleiotropic effects, except where these elucidate the precise role.
Include evidence where possible. We are interested in both experimental evidence as well as inference from structure, evolution, or bioinformatic analysis. Precise studies should be prioritized over high-throughput, where available.
Plan (abbreviated)
- Verified identity and family/domain context for human MAP7D3 (UniProt Q8IWC1). Completed.
- Collected recent and foundational literature emphasizing 2023โ2024 developments and high-quality primary studies.
- Extracted mechanistic, localization, pathway, and disease-link evidence; prioritized precise experimental work.
- Synthesized a comprehensive research report with citations, URLs, and publication dates.
Comprehensive research report: Human MAP7D3 (MAP7 domain-containing protein 3; UniProt Q8IWC1)
Identity verification and nomenclature
- Gene/protein: MAP7D3 (also known as MDP3) encodes a MAP7 family microtubule-associated protein in Homo sapiens. Domain architecture and family assignment agree across primary literature: an N-terminal microtubule-binding region (coiled-coil/positively charged) and a C-terminal MAP7 domain that engages kinesin-1; MAP7D3 is one of four mammalian MAP7 paralogs (MAP7, MAP7D1, MAP7D2, MAP7D3) (Hooikaas et al., J Cell Biol, 2019; published Feb 2019; https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201808065) (hooikaas2019map7familyproteins pages 1-3). Yadav et al. (PLoS ONE, 2014; published Jun 2014; https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0099539) refer to MAP7D3 as a MAP7-domain protein with both N-terminal and C-terminal tubulin/microtubule-interacting elements (yadav2014cterminalregionof pages 1-2).
Key concepts and definitions
- Molecular role: Microtubule-associated protein (MAP) that binds microtubules and modulates microtubule-based transport by recruiting and activating kinesin-1. In vitro, MAP7D3 increases kinesin-1 microtubule landing rate and processivity via transient association with the kinesin stalk; compared with MAP7, MAP7D3 binds kinesin-1 more strongly and microtubules more weakly and can be co-transported with the motor (Hooikaas et al., 2019; https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201808065) (hooikaas2019map7familyproteins pages 1-3).
- Biochemistry of microtubule binding: The C-terminal region containing the MAP7 domain and tail (MDCT fragment) of MAP7D3 binds along the microtubule lattice, promotes polymerization, and stabilizes microtubules against disassembly by engaging the C-terminal tail of tubulin; it competes with tau for overlapping binding sites (Yadav et al., 2014; https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0099539) (yadav2014cterminalregionof pages 1-2).
- Regulation of tubulin acetylation/HDAC6: MAP7D3 (MDP3) associates with HDAC6 and modulates its activity; depletion reduces tubulin acetylation and destabilizes microtubules, indicating part of its stabilizing effect is via HDAC6 inhibition in addition to direct microtubule binding (PLoS ONE, 2014; published Mar 2014; https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0090932) (kuo2023map7d3anovel pages 1-2).
Mechanisms, interactions, and pathways
- Domain-function map: N-terminal basic/helical region + unstructured linker bind microtubules; C-terminal MAP7 domain binds the kinesin-1 stalk. This architecture underlies dual functions: tethering to microtubules and activating kinesin-1 (Hooikaas et al., 2019; https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201808065) (hooikaas2019map7familyproteins pages 1-3).
- Kinesin-1 recruitment/activation: In cells (HeLa) and reconstitution, MAP7D3 increases kinesin-1 landing frequency and run length/processivity; unlike MAP7, MAP7D3 can be co-transported with kinesin-1, consistent with higher kinesin affinity and lower microtubule affinity (Hooikaas et al., 2019; https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201808065) (hooikaas2019map7familyproteins pages 1-3).
- Microtubule polymerization and stabilization: MAP7D3โs C-terminal MDCT fragment promotes polymerization with a reported microtubule-binding Kd ~3.0 ยฑ 0.5 ฮผM and stabilizes microtubules against dilution-induced depolymerization; binding maps to the tubulin C-terminal tail and overlaps with tau binding (Yadav et al., 2014; https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0099539) (yadav2014cterminalregionof pages 1-2).
- Tubulin acetylation axis: MAP7D3 binds HDAC6 and limits its deacetylase activity on tubulin; MDP3 loss increases HDAC6 activity and reduces acetylated tubulin, linking MAP7D3 to the โtubulin codeโ and microtubule stability (PLoS ONE, 2014; https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0090932) (kuo2023map7d3anovel pages 1-2).
- Redundancy/specificity within MAP7 family: MAP7, MAP7D1, and MAP7D3 act redundantly to enable kinesin-1-dependent transport in HeLa cells; nevertheless, paralogs differ in biophysical parameters (e.g., MAP7D3 exhibits higher kinesin affinity and lower microtubule affinity than MAP7) (Hooikaas et al., 2019; https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201808065) (hooikaas2019map7familyproteins pages 1-3). Insights from related paralogs support centrosome-proximal localization and distinct stabilization mechanisms (Map7D2 vs Map7D1) in neuronal models, underscoring paralog diversification (Kikuchi et al., Life Sci Alliance, 2022; published Mar 2022; https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.10.27.466197) (kikuchi2022map7d2andmap7d1 pages 9-12).
- Wnt/Dishevelled interface: Emerging data suggest MAP7-family members couple Dishevelled (DVL) to microtubules; reviews/screens report MAP7D3 can recruit DVL3 to microtubules in lysate-based TIRF assays, while MAP7/MAP7D1 facilitate DVL cortical targeting via kinesin-1 (review, 2025; Kohoutovรก, 2025) (kohoutova2025microtubuleassociatedproteinsas pages 63-67). While this extends family context, direct MAP7D3โDVL mechanistic roles in migration remain less established than for MAP7/MAP7D1 (kohoutova2025microtubuleassociatedproteinsas pages 63-67).
Cellular localization and context of action
- Localization: MAP7D3 decorates the microtubule lattice in cells and in vitro (immunostaining of MDCT along preassembled microtubules) (Yadav et al., 2014; https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0099539) (yadav2014cterminalregionof pages 1-2). In HeLa cells, MAP7-family proteins are required for kinesin-1-dependent recruitment to microtubules and organelle distribution (Hooikaas et al., 2019; https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201808065) (hooikaas2019map7familyproteins pages 1-3). Paralog data place MAP7D family members at the centrosome and along microtubules in neuronal cells, indicating potential centrosome-proximal enrichment of MAP7 paralogs in certain contexts (Kikuchi et al., 2022; https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.10.27.466197) (kikuchi2022map7d2andmap7d1 pages 9-12).
- Cellular processes: By enhancing kinesin-1 recruitment and motility, MAP7D3 contributes to organelle transport and likely cell polarity and trafficking organization; reconstitution and cellular assays demonstrate family-level control of plus-end-directed transport (Hooikaas et al., 2019; https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201808065) (hooikaas2019map7familyproteins pages 1-3). Its ability to promote polymerization and stabilize microtubules indicates roles in maintaining microtubule networks under stress (Yadav et al., 2014; https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0099539) and via HDAC6 modulation (Tala et al., 2014; https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0090932) (yadav2014cterminalregionof pages 1-2, kuo2023map7d3anovel pages 1-2).
Recent developments and latest research (emphasis 2023โ2024)
- Cancer biologyโtriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC): MAP7D3 is upregulated in more metastatic TNBC sublines; its knockdown reduces 3D colony formation, migration, and invasion; increases sensitivity to docetaxel and gemcitabine; suppresses Rac1 activity; and markedly impairs tumor growth and metastasis in orthotopic mouse models. Clinically, higher MAP7D3 expression correlates with metastatic lymph nodes, advanced stage/grade, lymph node metastasis, and poorer survival in TNBC cohorts (Biology Direct, 2023; published Aug 2023; https://doi.org/10.1186/s13062-023-00400-x) (kuo2023map7d3anovel pages 1-2, kuo2023map7d3anovel pages 11-12).
- Family-level mechanistic baseline (for interpreting 2023โ24 work): Robust in vitro cell-free and cellular evidence that MAP7D3 enhances kinesin-1 landing and processivity and can be co-transported with kinesin-1 (Hooikaas et al., 2019) underpins hypotheses for MAP7D3-mediated metastatic phenotypes via altered transport and cytoskeletal dynamics (https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201808065) (hooikaas2019map7familyproteins pages 1-3).
Current applications and real-world implementations
- Biomarker and therapeutic target in TNBC: MAP7D3 serves as an adverse prognostic marker in TNBC and a functional driver of invasiveness and cancer-initiating properties; genetic inhibition sensitizes to taxane/nucleoside analog chemotherapy and reduces metastasis in vivo, suggesting translational potential for patient stratification and combination therapy design (Kuo et al., 2023; https://doi.org/10.1186/s13062-023-00400-x) (kuo2023map7d3anovel pages 11-12, kuo2023map7d3anovel pages 1-2).
- Mechanistic levers for intervention: The kinesin-activation interface and HDAC6 modulation suggest druggable axesโeither disrupting MAP7D3โkinesin-1 interactions to reduce anterograde transport or enhancing HDAC6 activity modulation to rebalance microtubule acetylationโthough direct inhibitors specific to MAP7D3 have not been reported in the cited literature (Hooikaas et al., 2019; Tala et al., 2014) (hooikaas2019map7familyproteins pages 1-3, kuo2023map7d3anovel pages 1-2).
Expert opinions and analysis from authoritative sources
- JCB mechanistic study (2019) frames MAP7D3 as a microtubule-tethered kinesin-1 activator, with transient interactions that promote motor landing and processivity and with unique co-transport capability relative to MAP7. These features rationalize potential impacts on long-range cargo distribution and cellular polarity (Hooikaas et al., 2019; https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201808065) (hooikaas2019map7familyproteins pages 1-3).
- PLoS ONE studies (2014) emphasize dual microtubule-stabilization mechanismsโdirect lattice engagement via tubulin C-terminal tails and HDAC6 modulationโproviding a biochemical basis for MT network resilience that could intersect with motility and invasion pathways in cancer (Yadav et al., 2014; https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0099539; Tala et al., 2014; https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0090932) (yadav2014cterminalregionof pages 1-2, kuo2023map7d3anovel pages 1-2).
- Family paralog perspective: Distinct yet overlapping roles among MAP7 paralogs in neurons (Map7D2/Map7D1) underscore that paralog-specific properties (e.g., acetylation dependence) can shape phenotypes; this supports cautious extrapolation and motivates direct MAP7D3-specific experiments in relevant cell types (Kikuchi et al., 2022; https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.10.27.466197) (kikuchi2022map7d2andmap7d1 pages 9-12).
Relevant statistics and quantitative data
- Microtubule binding and polymerization: MAP7D3 MDCT fragment binds microtubules with Kd ~3.0 ยฑ 0.5 ฮผM; promotes polymerization and stabilizes against dilution-induced disassembly; competes with tau for overlapping binding sites on tubulin C-terminal tails (Yadav et al., 2014; https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0099539) (yadav2014cterminalregionof pages 1-2).
- Kinesin-1 motility: MAP7D3 increases kinesin-1 landing rate and processivity in vitro reconstitution assays; MAP7D3 is co-transportable with the motor, consistent with higher kinesin affinity and lower microtubule affinity than MAP7 (Hooikaas et al., 2019; https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201808065). The study further demonstrates redundancy of MAP7, MAP7D1, and MAP7D3 in supporting kinesin-driven transport in HeLa (hooikaas2019map7familyproteins pages 1-3).
- TNBC disease metrics: In cell and mouse models, MAP7D3 knockdown reduces colony formation, migration, invasion, and metastasis, and enhances docetaxel/gemcitabine sensitivity; clinical datasets associate higher MAP7D3 expression with lymph node metastasis and inferior survival in TNBC. Specific numerical hazard ratios or effect sizes were not available in the extracted segments; readers should consult Kuo et al. (2023; https://doi.org/10.1186/s13062-023-00400-x) for cohort-level statistics (kuo2023map7d3anovel pages 11-12, kuo2023map7d3anovel pages 1-2).
Open questions and future directions
- Direct structural determinants for MAP7D3โkinesin-1 interaction and how co-transport is molecularly choreographed remain active areas. Whether MAP7D3 uniquely tunes cargo selectivity versus other MAP7 paralogs is still unclear (Hooikaas et al., 2019) (hooikaas2019map7familyproteins pages 1-3).
- The extent to which MAP7D3 interfaces with Wnt/Dishevelled signaling in specific tissues and disease contexts requires further validation beyond lysate-based assays and reviews (Kohoutovรก, 2025) (kohoutova2025microtubuleassociatedproteinsas pages 63-67).
- In cancer, defining the upstream regulators of MAP7D3 expression and identifying vulnerabilities created by MAP7D3 dependency (e.g., synthetic-lethal partners) are promising translational directions (Kuo et al., 2023) (kuo2023map7d3anovel pages 11-12, kuo2023map7d3anovel pages 1-2).
Summary
Human MAP7D3 is a MAP7-family microtubule-associated protein that binds microtubules and the kinesin-1 stalk to promote motor recruitment and processivity; uniquely, it can co-ride with kinesin-1. Its C-terminal region binds the tubulin C-terminal tail to stimulate polymerization and stabilize microtubules, and it tempers HDAC6 activity to maintain tubulin acetylation. Family-level redundancy supports kinesin-1 transport in cells, but paralogs differ in microtubule versus kinesin affinities and context-specific roles. In TNBC models and clinical datasets, MAP7D3 correlates with aggressive disease and functions as a driver of metastasis and chemoresistance, nominating it as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target (Hooikaas et al., 2019; Yadav et al., 2014; Tala et al., 2014; Kuo et al., 2023) (hooikaas2019map7familyproteins pages 1-3, yadav2014cterminalregionof pages 1-2, kuo2023map7d3anovel pages 1-2, kuo2023map7d3anovel pages 11-12).
References
(hooikaas2019map7familyproteins pages 1-3): Peter Jan Hooikaas, Maud Martin, Tobias Mรผhlethaler, Gert-Jan Kuijntjes, Cathelijn A.E. Peeters, Eugene A. Katrukha, Luca Ferrari, Riccardo Stucchi, Daan G.F. Verhagen, Wilhelmina E. van Riel, Ilya Grigoriev, A.F. Maarten Altelaar, Casper C. Hoogenraad, Stefan G.D. Rรผdiger, Michel O. Steinmetz, Lukas C. Kapitein, and Anna Akhmanova. Map7 family proteins regulate kinesin-1 recruitment and activation. Journal of Cell Biology, 218:1298-1318, Feb 2019. URL: https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201808065, doi:10.1083/jcb.201808065. This article has 170 citations and is from a highest quality peer-reviewed journal.
(yadav2014cterminalregionof pages 1-2): Saroj Yadav, Paul J. Verma, and Dulal Panda. C-terminal region of map7 domain containing protein 3 (map7d3) promotes microtubule polymerization by binding at the c-terminal tail of tubulin. PLoS ONE, 9:e99539, Jun 2014. URL: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0099539, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0099539. This article has 43 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(kuo2023map7d3anovel pages 1-2): Wen-Hung Kuo, Pei-Yi Chu, Chen-Chi Wang, Ping-Shen Huang, and Shih-Hsuan Chan. Map7d3, a novel prognostic marker for triple-negative breast cancer, drives cell invasiveness and cancer-initiating cell properties to promote metastatic progression. Biology Direct, Aug 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13062-023-00400-x, doi:10.1186/s13062-023-00400-x. This article has 6 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(kikuchi2022map7d2andmap7d1 pages 9-12): Koji Kikuchi, Yasuhisa Sakamoto, Akiyoshi Uezu, Hideyuki Yamamoto, Kei-ichiro Ishiguro, Kenji Shimamura, Taro Saito, Shin-ichi Hisanaga, and Hiroyuki Nakanishi. Map7d2 and map7d1 facilitate microtubule stabilization through distinct mechanisms in neuronal cells. Life Science Alliance, Mar 2022. URL: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.10.27.466197, doi:10.1101/2021.10.27.466197. This article has 1 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(kohoutova2025microtubuleassociatedproteinsas pages 63-67): ล Kohoutovรก. Microtubule-associated proteins as mediators of interactions between dishevelled and microtubules. Unknown journal, 2025.
(kuo2023map7d3anovel pages 11-12): Wen-Hung Kuo, Pei-Yi Chu, Chen-Chi Wang, Ping-Shen Huang, and Shih-Hsuan Chan. Map7d3, a novel prognostic marker for triple-negative breast cancer, drives cell invasiveness and cancer-initiating cell properties to promote metastatic progression. Biology Direct, Aug 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13062-023-00400-x, doi:10.1186/s13062-023-00400-x. This article has 6 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
MAP7D3 (also known as Mdp3) is a human gene on the X chromosome encoding a 876-amino-acid protein that belongs to the microtubule-associated protein 7 (MAP7) family (www.genecards.org) (www.genecards.org). Like other MAP7 family members, MAP7D3 contains two conserved helical coiled-coil domains (at the N-terminus and near the C-terminus) separated by an unstructured linker (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). The N-terminal region of MAP7D3 is a strong microtubule-binding domain, while the C-terminal region includes the so-called MAP7 domain (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). This C-terminal MAP7 domain is known to interact with the stalk of kinesin motor proteins in the MAP7 family, as shown for MAP7 (ensconsin) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Notably, MAP7D3 features an additional microtubule-interacting segment in its extreme C-terminus, meaning it can bind microtubules through both its N-terminal coiled-coils and its C-terminal tail (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). This multi-domain architecture suggests MAP7D3 can serve as a scaffold on microtubules, engaging both the tubulin polymer and motor or regulatory proteins.
MAP7D3โs primary function is to promote microtubule assembly and stability. Initial studies identified Mdp3 (MAP7D3) as a novel microtubule-binding protein that protects microtubules from depolymerizing stresses (journals.plos.org). In vitro assays demonstrated that MAP7D3 can enhance tubulin polymerization and stabilize microtubules against disassembly (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). The N-terminal domain (coiled-coils) of MAP7D3 mediates direct binding to tubulin polymers, while the C-terminal MAP7 domain and tail also contribute to binding the microtubule lattice โ even overlapping with classic MAP binding sites such as that of tau protein (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). By binding along microtubule filaments, MAP7D3 acts as a structural MAP (microtubule-associated protein) that supports the polymerโs integrity. Consistently, depletion of MAP7D3 destabilizes microtubules: cells with MAP7D3 knocked down show increased microtubule disassembly in cold or drug-induced depolymerization experiments (journals.plos.org) (journals.plos.org). Conversely, overexpression of MAP7D3 helps maintain a higher fraction of tubulin in the polymerized state under stress conditions (journals.plos.org).
One mechanism by which MAP7D3 stabilizes microtubules is through regulation of tubulin acetylation. MAP7D3 physically interacts with histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) โ a cytoplasmic deacetylase that targets ฮฑ-tubulin. The N-terminus of MAP7D3 binds to HDAC6 in addition to tubulin (journals.plos.org) (journals.plos.org). This interaction sequesters or inhibits HDAC6, thereby preserving the acetylation of microtubules. Acetylated microtubules are generally more stable, and indeed knockdown of MAP7D3 leads to a significant reduction in acetylated ฮฑ-tubulin levels in cells (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). MAP7D3 and HDAC6 colocalize in the cytoplasm, and loss of MAP7D3 increases HDAC6โs tubulin-deacetylase activity (journals.plos.org). Thus, MAP7D3 promotes microtubule stability both by direct binding and by restraining HDAC6, which keeps microtubules in a more acetylated (stable) state (journals.plos.org) (journals.plos.org). This dual action underscores MAP7D3โs role as a microtubule stabilizer in the cell.
MAP7D3 is strongly implicated in the organization of the mitotic spindle โ the microtubule apparatus that segregates chromosomes during cell division. During mitosis, MAP7D3 localizes to spindle microtubules and the centrosomes, where it helps maintain spindle stability. A 2016 study (Kwon et al. 2016) showed that MAP7D3 (Mdp3) forms a complex with DDA3 (also known as PSRC1) at the spindle and regulates microtubule dynamics at the spindle poles (the microtubule minus-ends) (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Specifically, MAP7D3 counteracts the activity of the kinesin-13 family depolymerase Kif2a at spindle minus-ends. DDA3 normally recruits Kif2a to spindle poles to promote microtubule depolymerization; MAP7D3 inhibits this recruitment, thus acting as a microtubule stabilizer at the spindle pole (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). In MAP7D3-depleted cells, excessive Kif2a activity at centrosomal microtubule minus-ends leads to unstable spindles and defects in chromosome alignment and segregation (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Cells lacking MAP7D3 exhibit hallmark mitotic errors such as misaligned metaphase chromosomes, lagging chromosomes in anaphase, and an increase in chromatin bridges during telophase/cytokinesis (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). This phenotype indicates that MAP7D3 is required for proper spindle microtubule attachment and force balance, preventing premature microtubule depolymerization at centrosomes. Importantly, MAP7D3 and DDA3 have opposing activities (stabilizing vs. destabilizing microtubules, respectively) but do not disturb each otherโs localization on the spindle (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Together, they form part of a regulatory complex that fine-tunes spindle microtubule turnover (poleward flux) to ensure accurate chromosome segregation (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
Consistent with its spindle role, MAP7D3 has been observed at centrosomes, the microtubule-organizing centers. In breast cancer cells, ฮณ-tubulin (a core component of centrosomes that nucleates microtubules) was found to bind MAP7D3 and recruit it to the centrosome (www.thno.org). This interaction is not merely structural; it has functional consequences for cell proliferation. MAP7D3โs localization to the centrosome is critical for its activity in cell growth โ mutation or depletion that prevents Mdp3 from concentrating at centrosomes abrogates its ability to enhance cell proliferation and migration (www.thno.org). Thus, at the centrosome MAP7D3 may stabilize newly nucleated microtubule minus-ends or organize microtubule arrays needed for cell cycle progression. Overall, through centrosomal targeting and spindle-association, MAP7D3 ensures robust spindle microtubule assembly, contributing to genomic stability during division.
Beyond stabilizing microtubules, MAP7D3 serves as an adapter for motor protein attachment and cargo transport. Recent research has highlighted the MAP7 family as key positive regulators of kinesin-1, the major plus-endโdirected motor that transports various cargoes along microtubules (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). All four mammalian MAP7 family members (MAP7, MAP7D1, MAP7D2, MAP7D3) can bind directly to kinesin-1 (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). In particular, MAP7D3 was shown to bind the stalk region of kinesin-1 (KIF5B), which is the dimeric coiled-coil domain of the motor, through its C-terminal MAP7 domain (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Functionally, MAP7D3 (along with MAP7 and MAP7D1) is required to recruit and activate kinesin-1 in certain cellular contexts. For example, Hooikaas et al. (2019) demonstrated in HeLa cells that MAP7, MAP7D1, and MAP7D3 act redundantly to enable normal kinesin-driven mitochondrial transport โ if all these MAP7 family members are removed, kinesin-1 cannot properly distribute mitochondria to the cell periphery (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Notably, knockout of MAP7D3 alone caused a partial defect in kinesin-driven cargo localization, indicating that MAP7D3 makes a unique contribution to motor transport even among the family (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
At the molecular level, MAP7D3 increases the ability of kinesin-1 to attach to microtubules and move processively. In vitro reconstitution assays with purified proteins show that adding MAP7D3 elevates the landing frequency of kinesin-1 on microtubules and extends the motorโs run length (distance traveled) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Mechanistically, MAP7D3 works in two ways: (1) its N-terminal domain tethers kinesin along with itself to the microtubule (since the N-terminus binds microtubules tightly, it can serve as a โparking spotโ for the motor), and (2) its C-terminal domain binds the kinesin stalk and may allosterically relieve kinesinโs autoinhibition (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). The net effect is that MAP7D3 serves as a microtubule-bound co-factor that recruits kinesin-1 to microtubule tracks and activates its movement (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Indeed, MAP7 family proteins have been dubbed โmicrotubule-tethered kinesin-1 activatorsโ (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
Interestingly, MAP7D3 displays different binding dynamics than MAP7 (ensconsin) when collaborating with kinesin. MAP7D3 has a higher affinity for kinesin-1 and a lower affinity for microtubules compared to MAP7 (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). As a result, MAP7D3 can actually travel with the kinesin motor: it transiently hops on and off the microtubule, riding along as the motor progresses (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). In contrast, MAP7 (the original family member) binds microtubules more stably and tends to stay fixed on the lattice, with the kinesin detaching from MAP7 as it walks. The ability of MAP7D3 to cotransport with kinesin-1 was observed as co-migration of MAP7D3 and a moving kinesin fragment in live-cell imaging (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). This suggests MAP7D3 may escort kinesin-1 and possibly its cargo to specific microtubule regions (such as plus-endโrich regions in the cell periphery) before detaching. In summary, MAP7D3 serves as a critical linker between microtubules and kinesin motors, enhancing cargo transport efficiency. This function has broad implications, because it means MAP7D3 can influence organelle localization, axonal transport in neurons (as shown for other MAP7s (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)), and overall cell polarity and logistics.
Given these molecular activities, MAP7D3 participates in several fundamental biological processes:
- Cytoskeleton organization: By stabilizing microtubules and interacting with centrosomes, MAP7D3 helps organize the microtubule network in interphase and during mitosis (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (www.thno.org). This contributes to maintaining cell shape and an accurate cell division apparatus.
- Cell cycle progression: MAP7D3 levels oscillate with the cell cycle (high in G1/S/M, low in G2) (www.genecards.org), and its function at the spindle is crucial for proper chromosome segregation (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Loss of MAP7D3 can cause mitotic delays or errors, potentially activating checkpoints due to misaligned chromosomes.
- Intracellular transport and cell polarity: Through kinesin-1 activation, MAP7D3 supports the distribution of organelles (e.g., mitochondria) and vesicles to the cell periphery (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). This influences cell polarity and the ability of cells to migrate or maintain asymmetric functions. In polarized cells like neurons, MAP7 family proteins (paralogs of MAP7D3) are known to assist axonal transport and branching (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), so MAP7D3 may play analogous roles in cell types where itโs expressed.
- Cell adhesion and migration: Proper remodeling of microtubules is required for cell movement and adhesion dynamics. While most data on MAP7D3 in migration come from cancer cells (see below), other MAP7 proteins (MAP7 and MAP7D1) facilitate microtubule remodeling for cell motility in HeLa cells (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). MAP7D3โs stabilization of microtubules and regulation of Rac1 GTPase activity (through cytoskeletal crosstalk) has been shown to affect lamellipodia formation and cell invasion behavior (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Furthermore, MAP7D3โs presence at focal microtubule-organizing centers (centrosomes) can impact how cells adhere and spread, since centrosomal microtubules target adhesion sites.
In terms of subcellular localization, MAP7D3 is an intracellular, cytoskeletal protein. It is predominantly found in the cytoplasm bound to microtubules. Immunostaining shows MAP7D3 decorating microtubule fibers throughout the cell (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), consistent with it being a MAP. During mitosis it concentrates at mitotic spindles, especially near spindle poles (centrosome regions) (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). In interphase, a portion of MAP7D3 also localizes around the centrosome/centrioles due to its interaction with ฮณ-tubulin (www.thno.org). Biochemical fractionation confirms that MAP7D3 is largely in the polymerized tubulin fraction (cytoskeletal fraction) rather than the soluble pool (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). MAP7D3 lacks any signal peptide or transmembrane domain, and it is not secreted; it functions within the cell where microtubules are present (v23.proteinatlas.org) (v23.proteinatlas.org).
MAP7D3 has attracted interest in cancer biology, particularly as a promoter of tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. Its role in stabilizing microtubules links it to cancer progression: cancer cells often exploit cytoskeletal changes for increased migration and chemotherapy resistance. In breast cancer, MAP7D3 is notably upregulated. A research team in 2014 (Tala et al., Theranostics 2014) first reported that MAP7D3 is highly expressed in human breast tumors and correlates with more aggressive disease (www.thno.org) (www.thno.org). Patientsโ tumor samples with higher MAP7D3 had indicators of malignancy such as higher grade and metastasis. Experimentally, silencing MAP7D3 in breast cancer cell lines reduced their proliferation and motility, while overexpression enhanced these traits (www.thno.org). In mouse models, MAP7D3 overexpression stimulated tumor growth and the spread of cancer cells to secondary sites, demonstrating a pro-metastatic function (www.thno.org). Mechanistic insight from this study showed that MAP7D3 is recruited to centrosomes by ฮณ-tubulin in cancer cells, and this centrosomal targeting is required for its ability to drive cell division and migration (www.thno.org). By residing at the centrosome, MAP7D3 may help cancer cells maintain the robust microtubule arrays needed for rapid division and invasive movement. These findings established MAP7D3 as an oncogenic factor in breast cancer.
More recently, a 2023 study by Kuo et al. examined MAP7D3 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) โ a particularly aggressive subtype lacking hormone receptors. This comprehensive study identified MAP7D3 as a novel prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target in TNBC (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). MAP7D3 was the only MAP7-family member consistently overexpressed in highly metastatic TNBC cell sublines (versus their less metastatic parental cells) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). High MAP7D3 expression in patient datasets was significantly associated with TNBC cases (as opposed to other breast cancer subtypes) and with advanced clinical stage, positive lymph node (LN) metastasis, and poorer survival outcomes (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Remarkably, 63.8% of TNBC patients had higher MAP7D3 levels in metastatic lymph nodes than in their primary breast tumors, underlining its linkage with metastasis (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Functionally, silencing MAP7D3 in metastatic TNBC cells had profound effects: it suppressed cell migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth (all hallmarks of metastatic potential) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Loss of MAP7D3 also re-sensitized TNBC cells to chemotherapy โ knockdown cells became 2โ3ร more sensitive to the microtubule-targeting drug docetaxel and to gemcitabine, coinciding with lower expression of stemness/drug-resistance markers (ALDH1A1, ABCG2, Sox2, etc.) and reduced Rac1 GTPase activity (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). In vivo experiments reinforced these findings: shRNA-mediated MAP7D3 depletion dramatically slowed tumor growth and almost eliminated lung metastases in mouse xenograft models of TNBC (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Together, these results position MAP7D3 as a driver of an โaggressive phenotypeโ in TNBC, promoting both metastasis and chemoresistance (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Clinically, they suggest that high MAP7D3 expression could serve as a prognostic biomarker for poor outcome in TNBC, and that targeting MAP7D3 might impair tumor spread and improve chemotherapy response (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). The 2023 study concluded that inhibiting MAP7D3 is a promising therapeutic strategy to explore for combating TNBC progression and drug resistance (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
Beyond breast cancer, MAP7D3โs function may be relevant to other diseases involving cytoskeletal dysfunction. Because it is on the X chromosome, there has been interest in whether MAP7D3 mutations cause X-linked disorders. Notably, rare mutations in MAP7D3 have been tentatively linked to an X-linked form of myopathy (muscle disease) characterized by postural muscle atrophy (www.genecards.org). This association is based on genetic studies (e.g. an OMIM entry) but remains relatively under-characterized in the literature. The proposed connection is that altered MAP7D3 in muscle cells might disrupt microtubule stability and transport in muscle fibers, leading to muscle weakness. However, as of now, concrete evidence and mechanistic details on MAP7D3 in hereditary myopathies are limited. Further research is needed to confirm these links and to see if MAP7D3 plays a role in neurological disorders (since its paralogs are important in neurons) or other proliferative diseases.
From a cell biology standpoint, MAP7D3 exemplifies how non-motor microtubule-associated proteins can exert wide-ranging influence by bridging structural and signaling roles. Experts note that MAP7 family proteins provide a โcombinatorial MAP codeโ that specifies how microtubules interact with motors and other factors (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Anna Akhmanova and colleagues (2019) argue that MAP7D3 and its homologs act as critical cofactors that enable kinesin-1-driven transport in mammals (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). This was a significant conceptual advance โ previously, kinesin regulation was thought to rely mostly on cargo adaptors and tubulin post-translational modifications, but the discovery of MAP7D3โs role showed that microtubule-bound activators are also required to unleash kinesin-1โs full activity (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). The structural basis of this activation is an active area of research. Recent cryo-electron microscopy studies of the MAP7โmicrotubule complex (though focusing on MAP7/ensconsin) have begun to visualize how the MAP7 MT-binding domain sits on the microtubule and might interact with motor domains (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Given MAP7D3โs higher affinity for kinesin, future structural work may examine the MAP7D3โkinesin complex specifically to design ways to modulate it.
In cancer research, the link between microtubule stability and metastasis via MAP7D3 is gaining attention. Microtubule stability can affect cell stiffness, migration, and even the success of anti-microtubule chemotherapy. Thus, scientists are viewing MAP7D3 as part of the cytoskeletal changes in metastatic cancer cells. Oncologists have pointed out that targeting microtubule regulators like MAP7D3 could synergize with existing microtubule-targeting drugs (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). For instance, inhibiting MAP7D3 might make tumor cells more vulnerable to lower doses of taxanes (like docetaxel) by removing a stabilizing factor and by reducing drug-resistance markers (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). However, because MAP7D3 is also important in normal dividing cells (e.g., for spindle stability), any therapeutic strategy would need to achieve a cancer-specific window. Ongoing studies are likely examining MAP7D3 expression in other cancers (such as lung or colon cancers) and whether it correlates with metastasis or drug resistance there as well.
Another frontier is understanding how MAP7D3 is regulated. There is evidence that MAP7D3 levels fluctuate with the cell cycle and possibly by signaling pathways. For example, MAP7 (ensconsin) is phosphorylated during mitosis to detach it from microtubules (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) โ it would be interesting to see if MAP7D3 is similarly regulated by phosphorylation or other modifications. A 2018 report by Kikuchi et al. (EMBO Rep 2018) indicated that MAP7D1 (and MAP7) can form a feedback loop with Wnt5a/Dishevelled signaling to facilitate cytoskeletal remodeling (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). It remains to be determined if MAP7D3 also intersects with signaling networks (e.g., the reduction of Rac1 activity upon MAP7D3 knockdown in TNBC cells suggests an indirect link between MAP7D3 and actin cytoskeleton signaling (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)). Such crosstalk could mean MAP7D3 is responsive to extracellular cues that promote metastasis (like chemokines or growth factors that also activate Rac1).
MAP7D3 (Mdp3) is a multifaceted microtubule-associated protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining microtubule stability, facilitating motor-based transport, and ensuring proper cell division. It acts as a scaffold and regulator on microtubules โ on one hand anchoring and stabilizing the microtubule filaments, and on the other hand recruiting and modulating key enzymes (like motors and deacetylases) on those filaments. Through these actions, MAP7D3 influences cell structure, intracellular trafficking, and cell proliferation. The current understanding, bolstered by recent studies (2019โ2023), has elevated MAP7D3 from a relatively obscure MAP to an important player in cancer progression. In triple-negative breast cancer, in particular, MAP7D3 emerges as an indicator of aggressive disease and a potential Achillesโ heel for therapeutic intervention (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). As research continues, scientists are unraveling how MAP7D3โs microtubule-binding domains and protein partners contribute to its function, and how this knowledge can be harnessed. The latest findings encourage a deeper exploration of MAP7D3 in both normal physiology (such as neuronal transport or muscle function) and disease states. Given its central role in microtubule dynamics and transport, MAP7D3 represents a nexus between the cytoskeletal infrastructure and cellular behavior, making it an exciting subject for further biochemical and clinical research.
References: Publications cited above include primary research articles and reviews from 2011โ2023, such as Sun et al. 2011 (Cell Cycle), Yadav et al. 2014 (PLoS One), Kwon et al. 2016 (J. Cell Sci.), Hooikaas et al. 2019 (J. Cell Biol.), Tala et al. 2014 (Theranostics), and Kuo et al. 2023 (Biology Direct), among others. These provide experimental evidence for MAP7D3โs molecular functions (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), its role in spindle dynamics (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), interaction with HDAC6 (journals.plos.org), activation of kinesin-1 (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), and its involvement in cancer cell metastasis and drug resistance (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Each of the above findings is supported by specific studies (see inline citations) with DOI-linked references for further reading.
id: Q8IWC1
gene_symbol: MAP7D3
product_type: PROTEIN
status: COMPLETE
taxon:
id: NCBITaxon:9606
label: Homo sapiens
description: >-
MAP7D3 (MAP7 domain-containing protein 3, also known as MDP3) is a microtubule-associated
protein belonging to the MAP7 family. It promotes microtubule assembly and stability
through direct binding to tubulin and microtubules via two distinct regions: N-terminal
coiled-coil domains and a C-terminal MAP7 domain with C-terminal tail. The C-terminal
region (MDCT) binds microtubules with Kd ~3.0 uM by engaging the tubulin C-terminal
tails and competes with tau for overlapping binding sites. MAP7D3 also recruits
and
activates kinesin-1 motor protein through its MAP7 domain, enhancing kinesin-1 landing
rate and processivity on microtubules. Unlike other MAP7 family members, MAP7D3
can be co-transported with kinesin-1 due to its higher kinesin affinity and lower
microtubule affinity. Additionally, MAP7D3 modulates HDAC6 activity to maintain
tubulin acetylation. The protein localizes to the mitotic spindle and microtubule
cytoskeleton throughout mitosis, with expression varying during the cell cycle.
existing_annotations:
- term:
id: GO:0000226
label: microtubule cytoskeleton organization
evidence_type: IBA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000033
review:
summary: >-
IBA annotation based on phylogenetic inference. MAP7D3 is a well-established
member of the MAP7 family that regulates microtubule organization through
promoting assembly and stability (PMID:22142902, PMID:24927501). This annotation
is supported by experimental evidence from other annotations and is phylogenetically
consistent with MAP7 family function.
action: ACCEPT
reason: >-
The IBA annotation accurately captures MAP7D3's role in microtubule cytoskeleton
organization. Direct experimental evidence demonstrates that MAP7D3 regulates
cellular microtubule assembly in cold recovery and nocodazole washout assays
(PMID:22142902) and promotes microtubule polymerization in vitro (PMID:24927501).
This function is conserved across MAP7 family members.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:22142902
supporting_text: "Cold recovery and nocodazole washout assays further demonstrated
an important role for Mdp3 in regulating cellular microtubule assembly."
- reference_id: PMID:24927501
supporting_text: "It was shown to promote the assembly and stability of
microtubules in vitro as well as in cells"
- reference_id: file:human/MAP7D3/MAP7D3-deep-research-falcon.md
supporting_text: 'model: Edison Scientific Literature'
- term:
id: GO:0015630
label: microtubule cytoskeleton
evidence_type: IBA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000033
review:
summary: >-
IBA annotation for cellular component localization. MAP7D3 localizes to
microtubules throughout mitosis and associates with the microtubule cytoskeleton
as demonstrated by immunofluorescence microscopy and cosedimentation assays
(PMID:22142902).
action: ACCEPT
reason: >-
The cellular component annotation is well-supported. Experimental evidence
shows MAP7D3 associates with microtubules and localizes to the microtubule
cytoskeleton throughout mitosis. UniProt confirms subcellular location at
microtubules throughout mitosis.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:22142902
supporting_text: "Immunofluorescence microscopy and microtubule cosedimentation
assays revealed that Mdp3 also associated with microtubules."
- term:
id: GO:0000226
label: microtubule cytoskeleton organization
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000002
review:
summary: >-
IEA annotation based on InterPro domain mapping (IPR008604 - MAP7 family).
This is a broader automated annotation that is consistent with the IBA
and IDA annotations for the same term.
action: ACCEPT
reason: >-
While this is an automated annotation based on domain presence, it is
consistent with experimental evidence and the IBA annotation. The MAP7
domain (IPR008604) is characteristic of proteins involved in microtubule
cytoskeleton organization.
- term:
id: GO:0005819
label: spindle
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000044
review:
summary: >-
IEA annotation from UniProt subcellular location mapping. MAP7D3 was identified
in proteome analysis of the mitotic spindle and localizes to the spindle
upon overexpression (PMID:15561729, PMID:24927501).
action: ACCEPT
reason: >-
UniProt explicitly states MAP7D3 localizes to the spindle (Cytoplasm, cytoskeleton,
spindle) based on experimental evidence from PMID:15561729. This annotation
is appropriately derived from the UniProt subcellular location vocabulary.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:24927501
supporting_text: "MAP7D3 was identified during the proteome analysis of
mitotic spindle of HeLa cells and shown to localize at the mitotic spindle
upon overexpression [25]."
- term:
id: GO:0015630
label: microtubule cytoskeleton
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000002
review:
summary: >-
IEA annotation based on InterPro domain mapping. This is consistent with
the IBA annotation for the same cellular component term.
action: ACCEPT
reason: >-
The automated annotation based on MAP7 family domain presence is consistent
with experimental evidence showing MAP7D3 localizes to microtubules. This
annotation is appropriately redundant with the IBA annotation.
- term:
id: GO:0046785
label: microtubule polymerization
evidence_type: IDA
original_reference_id: PMID:24927501
review:
summary: >-
Direct experimental evidence showing MAP7D3's C-terminal region promotes
microtubule polymerization. Yadav et al. (2014) demonstrated that the MDCT
fragment containing the MAP7 domain and C-terminal tail promotes tubulin
polymerization in vitro through light scattering assays and sedimentation
assays.
action: ACCEPT
reason: >-
This is a core function of MAP7D3. The paper provides compelling in vitro
evidence using purified proteins that MAP7D3 promotes microtubule polymerization.
The MDCT fragment was shown to promote polymerization more effectively than
the individual MD or CT domains, and this activity was dependent on the
tubulin C-terminal tail. This represents a more specific annotation than
the broader "microtubule cytoskeleton organization" term.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:24927501
supporting_text: "a longer fragment MDCT that contained the MAP7 domain
(MD) with the C-terminal tail (CT) of the protein promoted microtubule
polymerization to a greater extent than MD and CT individually."
- reference_id: PMID:24927501
supporting_text: "Tubulin (10 ยตM) was incubated without and with 1, 2 and
4 ยตM MDCT in PEM buffer for 5 min on ice. Subsequently, 1 mM GTP was added
to the sample and the assembly kinetics was monitored at 37ยฐC by 90ยฐ light
scattering"
- term:
id: GO:0000226
label: microtubule cytoskeleton organization
evidence_type: IDA
original_reference_id: PMID:22142902
review:
summary: >-
Direct experimental evidence from Sun et al. (2011) demonstrating MAP7D3
(Mdp3) regulates microtubule assembly and stability in cells. Cold recovery
and nocodazole washout assays showed its role in cellular microtubule assembly,
and the protein enhanced microtubule stability.
action: ACCEPT
reason: >-
This IDA annotation is well-supported by experimental data. The paper
established MAP7D3 as a novel microtubule-binding protein through multiple
complementary approaches including GST-pulldown, immunofluorescence,
cosedimentation, cold recovery, and nocodazole washout assays. This is
a core function of the protein.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:22142902
supporting_text: "Cold recovery and nocodazole washout assays further demonstrated
an important role for Mdp3 in regulating cellular microtubule assembly.
Our data also showed that Mdp3 significantly enhanced the stability of
cellular microtubules."
- term:
id: GO:0008017
label: microtubule binding
evidence_type: IDA
original_reference_id: PMID:22142902
review:
summary: >-
Core molecular function annotation. Sun et al. (2011) demonstrated direct
binding of MAP7D3 to microtubules through multiple experimental approaches
including microtubule cosedimentation assays, GST-pulldown, and immunofluorescence
microscopy.
action: ACCEPT
reason: >-
This is the primary molecular function of MAP7D3 as a microtubule-associated
protein. The evidence from PMID:22142902 is direct and compelling, showing
that MAP7D3 associates with microtubules through its N-terminal coiled-coil
domains. Additional support comes from PMID:24927501 showing the C-terminal
region also binds microtubules with Kd ~3.0 uM.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:22142902
supporting_text: "Immunofluorescence microscopy and microtubule cosedimentation
assays revealed that Mdp3 also associated with microtubules. Serial deletion
experiments showed that the two coiled coil motifs of Mdp3 were critical
for its interaction with tubulin and microtubules."
- reference_id: PMID:24927501
supporting_text: "MDCT bound to reconstituted microtubules with an apparent
dissociation constant of 3.0 ยฑ 0.5 ยตM."
- term:
id: GO:0015631
label: tubulin binding
evidence_type: IDA
original_reference_id: PMID:22142902
review:
summary: >-
Molecular function annotation for direct tubulin binding. GST-pulldown
assays demonstrated that MAP7D3 interacts with tubulin both in cells and
in vitro (PMID:22142902). Additional evidence from PMID:24927501 shows
binding to tubulin C-terminal tails and competition with tau.
action: ACCEPT
reason: >-
This annotation captures the direct binding of MAP7D3 to tubulin subunits.
While microtubule binding (GO:0008017) is also annotated, tubulin binding
is distinct as it can refer to binding of soluble tubulin dimers. The evidence
shows MAP7D3 binds both soluble tubulin and polymerized microtubules through
its coiled-coil domains.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:22142902
supporting_text: "by GST-pulldown assays, we found that Mdp3 interacted
with tubulin both in cells and in vitro."
- reference_id: PMID:24927501
supporting_text: "Competition experiments with tau indicated that MDCT shares
its binding site on microtubules with tau."
- term:
id: GO:0016020
label: membrane
evidence_type: HDA
original_reference_id: PMID:19946888
review:
summary: >-
HDA annotation from high-throughput mass spectrometry proteomics study of
NK cell membranes. MAP7D3 was identified among 1843 proteins in membrane
fractions, though it is predicted to be transiently associated with membranes
rather than being an integral membrane protein.
action: KEEP_AS_NON_CORE
reason: >-
This annotation is not incorrect - MAP7D3 was detected in membrane proteomics
experiments. However, MAP7D3 is primarily a cytoskeletal protein that localizes
to microtubules and the spindle. The membrane association is likely transient
or reflects association with membrane-associated microtubules rather than
direct membrane localization. This is not a core localization for the protein.
UniProt also lists membrane (HDA) but the primary localization is cytoplasm/cytoskeleton/spindle.
additional_reference_ids:
- PMID:15561729
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:19946888
supporting_text: "The remaining species were largely involved in cellular
processes and molecular functions that could be predicted to be transiently
associated with membranes."
references:
- id: GO_REF:0000002
title: Gene Ontology annotation through association of InterPro records with
GO terms
findings: []
- id: GO_REF:0000033
title: Annotation inferences using phylogenetic trees
findings: []
- id: GO_REF:0000044
title: Gene Ontology annotation based on UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot Subcellular
Location Vocabulary mapping, accompanied by conservative changes to GO
terms applied by UniProt
findings: []
- id: PMID:15561729
title: Proteome analysis of the human mitotic spindle.
findings: []
- id: PMID:19946888
title: Defining the membrane proteome of NK cells.
findings: []
- id: PMID:22142902
title: Mdp3 is a novel microtubule-binding protein that regulates
microtubule assembly and stability.
findings:
- statement: MAP7D3 (Mdp3) binds tubulin and microtubules via N-terminal
coiled-coil domains
supporting_text: "Serial deletion experiments showed that the two coiled coil
motifs of Mdp3 were critical for its interaction with tubulin and microtubules."
- statement: Regulates cellular microtubule assembly and enhances
microtubule stability
supporting_text: "Cold recovery and nocodazole washout assays further demonstrated
an important role for Mdp3 in regulating cellular microtubule assembly.
Our data also showed that Mdp3 significantly enhanced the stability of cellular
microtubules."
- statement: Expression varies during cell cycle with highest levels in
G1, S, and M phases
supporting_text: "we found that Mdp3 expression varied during the cell cycle
and in primary tissues."
- id: PMID:24927501
title: C-terminal region of MAP7 domain containing protein 3 (MAP7D3)
promotes microtubule polymerization by binding at the C-terminal tail of
tubulin.
findings:
- statement: C-terminal MDCT fragment binds microtubules with Kd ~3.0 uM
supporting_text: "MDCT bound to reconstituted microtubules with an apparent
dissociation constant of 3.0 ยฑ 0.5 ยตM."
- statement: Promotes microtubule polymerization and stabilizes against
dilution-induced disassembly
supporting_text: "MDCT stabilized microtubules against dilution induced disassembly."
- statement: Binds tubulin C-terminal tail and competes with tau for
binding sites
supporting_text: "Competition experiments with tau indicated that MDCT shares
its binding site on microtubules with tau."
- id: file:human/MAP7D3/MAP7D3-deep-research-falcon.md
title: Deep research report on MAP7D3
findings: []
core_functions:
- molecular_function:
id: GO:0008017
label: microtubule binding
description: >-
MAP7D3 is a microtubule-associated protein that binds microtubules through
two distinct regions: N-terminal coiled-coil domains (PMID:22142902) and
C-terminal MAP7 domain with C-terminal tail that binds with Kd ~3.0 uM
(PMID:24927501). This binding is demonstrated by cosedimentation assays,
GST-pulldown, and immunofluorescence.
locations:
- id: GO:0015630
label: microtubule cytoskeleton
- id: GO:0005819
label: spindle
directly_involved_in:
- id: GO:0000226
label: microtubule cytoskeleton organization
- id: GO:0046785
label: microtubule polymerization
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:22142902
supporting_text: "Immunofluorescence microscopy and microtubule cosedimentation
assays revealed that Mdp3 also associated with microtubules."
- reference_id: PMID:24927501
supporting_text: "MDCT bound to reconstituted microtubules with an apparent
dissociation constant of 3.0 ยฑ 0.5 ยตM."
- molecular_function:
id: GO:0015631
label: tubulin binding
description: >-
MAP7D3 directly binds tubulin subunits via electrostatic interactions with
the tubulin C-terminal tail. The C-terminal region competes with tau for
overlapping binding sites on tubulin (PMID:24927501).
locations:
- id: GO:0015630
label: microtubule cytoskeleton
directly_involved_in:
- id: GO:0046785
label: microtubule polymerization
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:22142902
supporting_text: "by GST-pulldown assays, we found that Mdp3 interacted with
tubulin both in cells and in vitro."
- reference_id: PMID:24927501
supporting_text: "Competition experiments with tau indicated that MDCT shares
its binding site on microtubules with tau."