TTLL9 Activators

TTLL9, short for Tubulin Tyrosine Ligase Like 9, is a protein in humans that is encoded by the TTLL9 gene. It belongs to the TTL domain protein family and is involved in the post-translational modification of tubulin. The primary function of TTLL9 is to catalyze the polyglutamylation of tubulin, which is the addition of glutamate chains to the gamma-carboxyl groups of glutamate residues in tubulin. This modification plays a critical role in the regulation of microtubules, which are key components of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells.

Microtubules are dynamic structures that participate in various cellular processes such as mitosis, cytokinesis, vesicle transport, and the maintenance of cell shape and polarity. The polyglutamylation of tubulin by TTLL9 modulates the interaction between microtubules and microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), affecting the stability and function of microtubules. Consequently, TTLL9 is implicated in the proper assembly and disassembly of microtubules, which is essential for cell division and motility.

The activity of TTLL9 is tightly regulated within the cell, and its dysfunction has been associated with certain pathological conditions. Understanding the specific roles of TTLL9 and its regulation is an area of active research, as it may provide insights into the mechanisms of microtubule-related diseases and targets.