Microtubule Associated Protein 7 (MAP7)

Ensconsin is a microtubule-associated protein that is predominantly expressed in cells of epithelial origin. Microtubule-associated proteins are thought to be involved in microtubule dynamics, which is essential for cell polarization and differentiation.

This protein has been shown to be able to stabilize microtubules, and may serve to modulate microtubule functions. Studies of the related mouse protein also suggested an essential role in microtubule function required for spermatogenesis. Expressed in the skin and cells of epithelial origin. Predominantly expressed in the suprabasal layers of the normal epidermis and relatively abundant in squamous cell carcinomas but barely detectable in basal cell carcinomas.