Gamma-tubulin complexes: size does matter.
gamma-Tubulin is a conserved component of all microtubule-organizing centres and is required for these organelles to nucleate microtubule polymerization. However, the mechanism of nucleation is not known. In addition to its localization to organizing centres, a large pool of gamma-tubulin exists in the cytoplasm in a complex with other proteins. The size of the gamma-tubulin complex and number of associated proteins vary among organisms, and the functional significance of these differences is unknown. Recently, the nature of these gamma-tubulin complexes has been explored in different organisms, and this has led us closer to a molecular understanding of microtubule nucleation.
Jeng
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Dept of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5020, USA.
Stearns
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T
D000828:Animal Population Groups / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D018385:Centrosome / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000378:metabolism; D005656:Fungal Proteins / Q000737:chemistry; D005658:Fungi / Q000378:metabolism; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000737:chemistry; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008870:Microtubules / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009024:Morphogenesis; D008941:Spindle Apparatus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D014404:Tubulin / Q000737:chemistry*
D005656:Fungal Proteins; D019476:Insect Proteins; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D014404:Tubulin