A plus-end-directed motor enzyme that moves antiparallel microtubules in vitro localizes to the interzone of mitotic spindles

Nature. 1992 Oct 8;359(6395):543-7. doi: 10.1038/359543a0.

Abstract

Mitosis comprises a complex set of overlapping motile events, many of which involve microtubule-dependent motor enzymes. Here we describe a new member of the kinesin superfamily. The protein was originally identified as a spindle antigen by the CHO1 monoclonal antibody and shown to be required for mitotic progression. We have cloned the gene that encodes this antigen and found that its sequence contains a domain with strong sequence similarity to the motor domain of kinesin-like proteins. The product of this gene, expressed in bacteria, can cross-bridge antiparallel microtubules in vitro, and in the presence of Mg-ATP, microtubules slide over one another in a fashion reminiscent of microtubule movements during spindle elongation.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / pharmacology
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Base Sequence
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Immunoblotting
  • Immunosorbent Techniques
  • Kinesins / chemistry
  • Kinesins / genetics
  • Kinesins / physiology
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / chemistry
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / genetics
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / physiology*
  • Microtubules / physiology*
  • Mitosis / physiology
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Movement
  • Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
  • Spindle Apparatus / enzymology*
  • Tetrahymena / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Adenosine Triphosphate
  • Kinesins

Associated data

  • GENBANK/X67155