title: In search of a function for centrins.
abstract: Spindle pole bodies, basal bodies and centrosomes are morphologically quite different structures that nevertheless perform similar microtubule-organizing functions in diverse cell types. The recent discoveries that both centrins and gamma-tubulin are common components of these structures suggest a molecular basis for their common functions. The role of centrins is just beginning to be investigated. These filament-associated proteins bind Ca2+. The filaments contract at least in certain circumstances by an ATP-independent mechanism. However, yeast centrin is clearly involved in the duplication of the spindle pole body. A common molecular mechanism may underlie these two apparently different functions.
authors.affiliation: Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schiebel
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bornens