Tubulin: MAP-rich (porcine)

Material
Tubulin and microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) has been purified from porcine brain by an adaptation of the method of Shelanski et al. (1). Tubulin is supplied as a white lyophilized powder. The protein composition is approximately 70% tubulin (55 kDa heterodimer) and 30% MAPs. The MAPs in this product act to stabilize microtubules and to enhance tubulin polymerization. MAP rich tubulin can polymerize efficiently at 1-2 mg/ml.

MAP-rich tubulin is also available from a bovine source (Cat. # ML113).

Purity
Purity is determined by scanning densitometry of proteins on SDS-PAGE gels. Samples are approximately 70% tubulin and 30% MAPs.

Biological Activity
One unit of MAP-rich tubulin is defined as 5.0 mg of protein (as determined by the Precision Red Protein Assay Reagent, Cat. # ADV02). MAP-rich tubulin will polymerize efficiently at protein concentrations above 1mg/ml and temperatures above 24°C.