Abstract
The maternally expressed C. elegans gene spd-5 encodes a centrosomal protein with multiple coiled-coil domains. During mitosis in mutants with reduced levels of SPD-5, microtubules assemble but radiate from condensed chromosomes without forming a spindle, and mitosis fails. SPD-5 is required for the centrosomal localization of gamma-tubulin, XMAP-215, and Aurora A kinase family members, but SPD-5 accumulates at centrosomes in mutants lacking these proteins. Furthermore, SPD-5 interacts genetically with a dynein heavy chain. We propose that SPD-5, along with dynein, is required for centrosome maturation and mitotic spindle assembly.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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Caenorhabditis elegans / embryology
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Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics
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Caenorhabditis elegans / metabolism
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism*
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Centrosome / metabolism
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Centrosome / physiology*
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Dyneins / metabolism
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Female
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Gene Expression
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Male
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Meiosis / physiology
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Microtubule-Associated Proteins / genetics
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Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism*
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Microtubules / metabolism
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Microtubules / physiology
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Mutagenesis
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Protein Structure, Tertiary
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Spindle Apparatus / physiology*
Substances
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
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Microtubule-Associated Proteins
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Dyneins