Mast, a conserved microtubule-associated protein required for bipolar mitotic spindle organization

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2000

Authors

Lemos, CL (Author) Other; Sampaio, P (Author) Other; Helder Maiato (Author) Other; Costa, M (Author) Other; Omel'yanchuk, LV (Author) Other; Liberal, V (Author) Other; Sunkel, CE (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: EMBO Journal

Vol. 19

Pages: 3668-3682

ISSN: 0261-4189

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 93 Citations

Scopus - 103 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-000-ZGD

DOI: 10.1093/emboj/19.14.3668

Abstract (EN): Through mutational analysis in Drosophila, we have identified the gene multiple asters (mast), which encodes a new 165 kDa protein, mast mutant neuroblasts are highly polyploid and show severe mitotic abnormalities including the formation of mono- and multi-polar spindles organized by an irregular number of microtubule-organizing centres of abnormal size and shape. The mast gene product is evolutionarily conserved since homologues were identified from yeast to man, revealing a novel protein family. Antibodies against Mast and analysis of tissue culture cells expressing an enhanced green fluorescent protein-Mast fusion protein show that during mitosis, this protein localizes to centrosomes, the mitotic spindle, centromeres and spindle midzone. Microtubule-binding assays indicate that Mast is a microtubule-associated protein displaying strong affinity for polymerized microtubules. The defects observed in the mutant alleles and the intracellular localization of the protein suggest that Mast plays an essential role in centrosome separation and organization of the bipolar mitotic spindle.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 15