Chromokinesin: a DNA-binding, kinesin-like nuclear protein.
Microtubule-associated mechanoenzymes have been proposed to play a fundamental role in chromosome movement. We have cloned and characterized the cDNA for a novel protein, named Chromokinesin, that fulfills several of the criteria expected of a mitotic motor. Chromokinesin contains both a kinesin motor-like domain and an unusual basic-leucine zipper DNA-binding domain. Its mRNA is readily detectable in proliferating cells, but not in postmitotic cells. Immunocytochemical analysis with antibodies directed against the nonconserved COOH-terminal region of Chromokinesin indicates that the protein is localized in the nucleus, and primarily associated with chromosome arms in mitotic cells. These data suggest that Chromokinesin is likely to function as a microtubule-based mitotic motor with DNA as its cargo.
Wang
S Z
SZ
Retinal Degenerations Research Center, Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-9257.
Adler
R
R
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D002455:Cell Division; D002642:Chick Embryo; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000502:physiology; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D016547:Kinesins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016350:Leucine Zippers; D008938:Mitosis / Q000502:physiology; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011485:Protein Binding; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; C092349:chromokinesin; D016547:Kinesins