Microtubule-associated protein MAP7 promotes tubulin posttranslational modifications and cargo transport to enable osmotic adaptation

Cells remodel their cytoskeletal networks to adapt to their environment. Here, we analyze the mechanisms utilized by the cell to tailor its microtubule landscape in response to changes in osmolarity that alter macromolecular crowding. By integrating live-cell imaging, ex vivo enzymatic assays, and in vitro reconstitution, we probe the impact of cytoplasmic density on microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) and tubulin posttranslational modifications (PTMs). We find that human epithelial cells respond to fluctuations in cytoplasmic density by modulating microtubule acetylation, detyrosination, or MAP7 association without differentially affecting polyglutamylation, tyrosination, or MAP4 association. These MAP-PTM combinations alter intracellular cargo transport, enabling the cell to respond to osmotic challenges. We further dissect the molecular mechanisms governing tubulin PTM specification and find that MAP7 promotes acetylation and inhibits detyrosination. Our data identify MAP7 in modulating the tubulin code, resulting in microtubule cytoskeleton remodeling and alteration of intracellular transport as an integrated mechanism of cellular adaptation.