Tubulin polyglutamylation, a regulator of microtubule functions, can cause neurodegeneration

Neurodegenerative diseases lead to a progressive demise of neuronal functions that ultimately results in death. Besides large variety molecular pathways have been linked the degeneration neurons, dysfunctions microtubule cytoskeleton are common features many human neurodegenerative disorders. Yet, it is unclear whether causative, or mere bystanders disease progression. A so-far little explored regulatory mechanism cytoskeleton, posttranslational modifications tubulin, emerge as candidate mechanisms involved dysfunction, and thus, degeneration. Here we review role tubulin polyglutamylation, prominent modification microtubules. We discuss current understanding how polyglutamylation controls healthy deregulation this leads neurodegeneration mice humans.