Multiple roles of EML1 in microtubule stabilization and vesicle transport in the nervous system

Microtubule-associated protein EML1 is an important member of the EML family and plays a key role in cytoskeleton regulation and neural development. During neural development, EML1 expression is spatiotemporally specific, and its functional abnormalities are closely associated with neural developmental disorders such as subcortical band heterotopia. This article systematically reviews the structural characteristics and biological functions of EML1. Structural studies have shown that EML1 contains unique HELP-WD and TAPE domains, which underlie its binding to microtubules and functional performance. Functionally, EML1 regulates microtubule stability through multiple mechanisms. Moreover, EML1 is also involved in regulating intracellular material transport—maintaining the stability of transport tracks, coordinating the function of motor proteins, and regulating Golgi-related transport. These findings reveal the multiple roles of EML1 in cellular physiological processes and provide a new perspective for understanding the pathogenesis of related diseases. Future research should focus on elucidating the precise EML1 action mechanisms and its potential as a therapeutic target.