The organisation of microtubules varies with the cell type and is presumably controlled by tissue-specific microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). The 115-kDa epithelial MAP (E-MAP-115/MAP7) has been identified as a microtubule-stabilising protein predominantly expressed in cell lines of epithelial origin [1]. The binding of this microtubule associated protein is nucleotide independent [2].

1: The distribution of murine 115-kDa epithelial microtubule-associated protein (E-MAP-115) during embryogenesis and in adult organs suggests a role in epithelial polarization and differentiation. Fabre-Jonca N, Allaman JM, Radlgruber G, Meda P, Kiss JZ, French LE, Masson D; Differentiation 1998;63:169-180. PMID:9745708

2: Identification and molecular characterization of E-MAP-115, a novel microtubule-associated protein predominantly expressed in epithelial cells. Masson D, Kreis TE; J Cell Biol 1993;123:357-371. PMID:8408219