Question

This is for a Cell Biology class:

"You must find a way to disrupt the normal function of MAPT. You will need to do some digging around but remember that all I need is the name of a compound or product, no need for specifics."

Thank you for any input!

Answer 1

MAPT codes for the microtubule-associated protein Tau. This gene provides the information for coding for a specific protein called Tau. This protein is involved in stabilising the microtubules thereby making the cytoskeleton rigid. Hence any inhibitors that are able to stop the normal physiological action of Tau protein will stop the function of Tau protein. If one wants to disrupt the normal function of MAPT then mutations can be induced in the MAPT genes which will disrupt the production of Tau protein and thereby affect the final function of stabilising the cytoskeleton framework. A few extracts from some of the plant species also work as inhibitors of this MAPT gene such as the Semecarpus anacardium Linn. leaf extract. The research paper regarding to this inhibitor is being attached in this link so you can use it for further reading. Hope it helps: Virtual screening of MAP-Tau protein inhibitors from Semecarpus anacardium Linn. leaf extract for cancer prevention. Rajesh Kumar Singh1&2, , Amit Ranjan1, Ruchita Tripathi2, Akhileshwar Kumar Srivastava3, Monika Singh4, Abhishek Kumar2, Anil Kumar Singh2 , Kamal Nayan Dwivedi2, Neelam Atri5 and Santosh Kumar Singh. doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.01.08.899708

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