Abstract
Correct segregation of genetic material relies on proper assembly and maintenance of the mitotic spindle. How the highly dynamic microtubules (MTs) are maintained in stable mitotic spindles is a key question to be answered. Motor and non-motor microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) have been reported to stabilize the dynamic spindle through crosslinking adjacent MTs. Mars, a novel MAP, is essential for the early development of Drosophila embryos. Previous studies showed that Mars is required for maintaining an intact mitotic spindle but did not provide a molecular mechanism for this function. Here we show that Mars is able to stabilize the mitotic spindle in vivo. Both in vivo and in vitro data reveal that the N-terminal region of Mars functions in the stabilization of the mitotic spindle by crosslinking adjacent MTs.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
---|---|
Tidsskrift | P L o S One |
Vol/bind | 8 |
Udgave nummer | 4 |
Sider (fra-til) | e60596 |
Antal sider | 10 |
ISSN | 1932-6203 |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - 4 apr. 2013 |