2',3'-cyclic nucleotide-3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) is a membrane-bound enzyme that can link tubulin to membranes and may regulate cytoplasmic microtubule distribution. CNPase acts as a microtubule-associated protein by promoting microtubule assembly; this activity resides in the C-terminus of the enzyme. CNPase is firmly associated with tubulin from brain tissue and thyroid cells and can be found at high concentrations in central nervous system myelin and in the outer segments of photoreceptors in the retina. Acute lead intoxication leads to disturbances in CNPase activity and the morphology of myelin.
