The characterization of phospholipids associated with microtubules, purified tubulin and microtubule associated proteins in vitro

1. Significant levels of total phospholipid phosphate were detected in highly purified microtubule protein preparations. 2. While the phospholipid profiles of total microtubule proteins and microtubule-associated proteins showed both similarities and differences to that of a whole brain homogenate, purified tubulin was associated only with phospholipids that were not detectable in the latter. 3. Phosphatidyl ethanolamine, found exclusively in a fraction of microtubule associated proteins, stimulated microtubule assembly in vitro.