Roles of two homotetrameric kinesins in sea urchin embryonic cell division

J Biol Chem. 2000 Dec 1;275(48):38005-11. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M005948200.

Abstract

To improve our understanding of the roles of microtubule cross-linking motors in mitosis, we analyzed two sea urchin embryonic kinesin-related proteins. It is striking to note that both of these proteins behave as homotetramers, but one behaves as a more compact molecule than the other. These observations suggest that these two presumptive motors could cross-link microtubules into bundles with different spacing. Both motors localize to mitotic spindles, and antibody microinjection experiments suggest that they have mitotic functions. Thus, one of these kinesin-related proteins may cross-link spindle microtubules into loose bundles that are "tightened" by the other.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Cell Division / physiology*
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / cytology*
  • Kinesins / chemistry
  • Kinesins / genetics
  • Kinesins / physiology*
  • Microinjections
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Sea Urchins / embryology*

Substances

  • Kinesins

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AF292394
  • GENBANK/AF292395