Abstract
CHROMOSOME segregation during mitosis depends on the action of the mitotic spindle, a self organizing, bipolar protein machine which uses microtubules (MTs) and their associated motors. Members of the BimC subfamily of kinesin related MT-motor proteins are believed to be essential for the formation and functioning of a normal bipolar spindle. Here we report that KRP130, a homotetrameric BimC-related kinesin purified from Drosophila melanogaster embryos, has an unusual ultrastructure. It consists of four kinesin-related polypeptides assembled into a bipolar aggregate with motor domains at opposite ends, analogous to a miniature myosin filament. Such a bipolar 'minifilament' could crosslink spindle MTs and slide them relative to one another. We do not know of any other MT motors that have a bipolar structure.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 270-272 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Nature |
Volume | 379 |
Issue number | 6562 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 18 1996 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General