CLASP1 is a nonmotor microtubule-associated protein that interacts with CLIPs (cytoplasmic linker proteins). It belongs to a conserved microtubule-binding protein family that mediates the stabilization of overlapping microtubules of the central spindle. CLASP1 promotes the stabilization of dynamic microtubules, and it is required for the polarization of the cytoplasmic microtubule arrays in migrating cells towards the leading edge of the cell. It may act at the cell cortex to enhance the frequency of rescue of depolymerizing microtubules by attaching their plus-ends to cortical platforms, which are composed of ERC1 and PHLDB2. This cortical microtubule stabilizing activity is regulated at least in part by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling. Moreover, CLASP1 performs a similar stabilizing function at the kinetochore, which is essential for the bipolar alignment of chromosomes on the mitotic spindle.
Intended for research use only. Not for use in human, therapeutic, or diagnostic applications.