The structure of the gamma-tubulin small complex: implications of its architecture and flexibility for microtubule nucleation

Mol Biol Cell. 2008 Jan;19(1):207-15. doi: 10.1091/mbc.e07-09-0879. Epub 2007 Oct 31.

Abstract

The gamma-tubulin small complex (gamma-TuSC) is an evolutionarily conserved heterotetramer essential for microtubule nucleation. We have determined the structure of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae gamma-TuSC at 25-A resolution by electron microscopy. gamma-TuSC is Y-shaped, with an elongated body connected to two arms. Gold labeling showed that the two gamma-tubulins are located in lobes at the ends of the arms, and the relative orientations of the other gamma-TuSC components were determined by in vivo FRET. The structures of different subpopulations of gamma-TuSC indicate flexibility in the connection between a mobile arm and the rest of the complex, resulting in variation of the relative positions and orientations of the gamma-tubulins. In all of the structures, the gamma-tubulins are distinctly separated, a configuration incompatible with the microtubule lattice. The separation of the gamma-tubulins in isolated gamma-TuSC likely plays a role in suppressing its intrinsic microtubule-nucleating activity, which is relatively weak until the gamma-TuSC is incorporated into higher order complexes or localized to microtubule-organizing centers. We propose that further movement of the mobile arm is required to bring the gamma-tubulins together in microtubule-like interactions, and provide a template for microtubule growth.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Microtubules / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nucleotides / metabolism
  • Pliability
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / chemistry*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / ultrastructure
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / chemistry*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / ultrastructure
  • Tubulin / chemistry*
  • Tubulin / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Nucleotides
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • TUB4 protein, S cerevisiae
  • Tubulin