= Microtubule-associated protein 2
= MAP2
{c}
{synonym}
<Microtubule-associated protein 2>, commonly called <MAP2>, is a neuronal <protein> associated with <microtubules> and strongly enriched in many <dendrites>. It contributes to organization of the dendritic <cytoskeleton>. Enrichment makes it useful as an experimental marker, but marker abundance and the full functional identity of a cell compartment are different properties. <Molecular Biology of the Cell, 4th edition by Bruce Alberts and others>[Chapter 16, Microtubule-Associated Proteins: cytoskeletal organization]{ref}
In cultured hippocampal <neurons>, <MAP2> immunostaining helped confirm dendritic identity after processes had been followed through development. <The establishment of polarity by hippocampal neurons in culture by Carlos G. Dotti and others>[1988, abstract: sequential photography and <MAP2> immunostaining]{ref} Combining time-resolved shape changes with a molecular marker is more informative than calling every short process a <dendrite>. Developmental stage, isoform and preparation conditions also matter when interpreting staining.
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