Is Casein Kinase 2 Able to Phosphorylate Plant α-Tubulin?

Abstract

Results of classical and structural bioinformatical research allow to predict casein kinase 2 dependent phosphorylation of conservative residues of Ser94 and Ser419 in Trypanosoma and Arabidopsis α-tubulin. Location of these residues in the region of internal contact of α-/β-tubulin heterodimer has been demonstrated. It is hypothesized that phosphorylation of Ser94 can affect dimerization of α-/β-tubulin in Trypanosoma and Arabidopsis. Most likely, potential phosphorylation of Ser419 does not have a direct effect on microtubule structure but is related to interaction with associated proteins, in particular with kinesins.