The founding member of the EMAP protein family is the 75 kDa Echinoderm Microtubule-Associated Protein, so-named for its abundance in sea urchin, sand dollar and starfish eggs. The Hydrophobic EMAP-Like Protein (HELP) motif was identified initially in the human EMAP-Like Protein 2 (EML2) and subsequently in the entire EMAP Protein family. The HELP motif is approximately 60-70 amino acids in length and is conserved amongst metazoans. Although the HELP motif is hydrophobic, there is no evidence that EMAP-Like Proteins are membrane-associated. All members of the EMAP-Like Protein family, identified to-date, are constructed with an amino terminal HELP motif followed by a WD domain [1]. In C. elegans, EMAP-Like Protein-1 (ELP-1) is required for touch sensation indicating that ELP-1 may play a role in mechanosensation [2]. The localization of ELP-1 to microtubules and adhesion sites implies that ELP-1 may transmit forces between the body surface and the touch receptor neurons.

1: The human EMAP-like protein-70 is a microtubule destabilizer that localizes to the mitotic apparatus. Eichenmuller B, Everley P, Palange J, Lepley D, Suprenant KA; J Biol Chem 2001;0:0-0. PMID:11694528

2: The C. elegans EMAP-like protein, ELP-1 is required for touch sensation and associates with microtubules and adhesion complexes. Hueston JL, Herren GP, Cueva JG, Buechner M, Lundquist EA, Goodman MB, Suprenant KA; BMC Dev Biol. 2008;8:110. PMID:19014691