A new Augmin subunit, Msd1, demonstrates the importance of mitotic spindle-templated microtubule nucleation in the absence of functioning centrosomes.
The Drosophila Augmin complex localizes gamma-tubulin to the microtubules of the mitotic spindle, regulating the density of spindle microtubules in tissue culture cells. Here, we identify the microtubule-associated protein Msd1 as a new component of the Augmin complex and demonstrate directly that it is required for nucleation of microtubules from within the mitotic spindle. Although Msd1 is necessary for embryonic syncytial mitoses, flies possessing a mutation in msd1 are viable. Importantly, however, in the absence of centrosomes, microtubule nucleation from within the spindle becomes essential. Thus, the Augmin complex has a crucial role in the development of the fly.
Wainman
Alan
A
Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Buster
Daniel W
DW
Duncan
Tommy
T
Metz
Jeremy
J
Ma
Ao
A
Sharp
David
D
Wakefield
James G
JG
D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018385:Centrosome / Q000378:metabolism*; D029721:Drosophila Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008870:Microtubules / Q000378:metabolism*; D009154:Mutation; D008941:Spindle Apparatus; D014404:Tubulin / Q000378:metabolism
D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins; C543151:Msd1 protein, Drosophila; D014404:Tubulin
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