title: Gamma-tubulin complexes and microtubule organization.
abstract: Microtubule nucleation requires gamma-tubulin, which exists in two main protein complexes: the gamma-tubulin small complex, and the gamma-tubulin ring complex. During mitosis, these complexes accumulate at the centrosome to support spindle formation. Gamma-tubulin complexes are also present at non-centrosomal microtubule nucleation sites, both in interphase and in mitosis. In interphase, non-centrosomal nucleation enables the formation of microtubule bundles or networks of branched microtubules. Gamma-tubulin complexes may be involved not only in microtubule nucleation, but also in regulating microtubule dynamics. Recent findings indicate that the dynamics of microtubule plus-ends are altered, depending on the expression of gamma-tubulin complex proteins.
authors.affiliation: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Pierre Fabre, UMR 2587, 3 rue des Satellites, 31400 Toulouse, France.
authors.forename: Brigitte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Raynaud-Messina
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Merdes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D018385:Centrosome / Q000502:physiology*; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008870:Microtubules / Q000502:physiology*; D014404:Tubulin / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D014404:Tubulin