The TOG5 domain of CKAP5 is required to interact with F-actin and promote microtubule advancement in neurons.

Microtubule (MT) and F-actin cytoskeletal cross-talk and organization are important aspects of axon guidance mechanisms, but how associated proteins facilitate this function remains largely unknown. While the MT-associated protein, CKAP5 (XMAP215/ch-TOG), has been best characterized as a MT polymerase, we have recently highlighted a novel role for CKAP5 in facilitating interactions between MT and F-actin and in embryonic neuronal growth cones. However, the mechanism by which it does so is unclear.