Ccdc61 controls centrosomal localization of Cep170 and is required for spindle assembly and symmetry

Mol Biol Cell. 2018 Dec 15;29(26):3105-3118. doi: 10.1091/mbc.E18-02-0115. Epub 2018 Oct 24.

Abstract

Microtubule nucleation was uncovered as a key principle of spindle assembly. However, the mechanistic details about microtubule nucleation and the organization of spindle formation and symmetry are currently being revealed. Here we describe the function of coiled-coil domain containing 61 (Ccdc61), a so far uncharacterized centrosomal protein, in spindle assembly and symmetry. Our data describe that Ccdc61 is required for spindle assembly and precise chromosome alignments in mitosis. Microtubule tip-tracking experiments in the absence of Ccdc61 reveal a clear loss of the intrinsic symmetry of microtubule tracks within the spindle. Furthermore, we show that Ccdc61 controls the centrosomal localization of centrosomal protein of 170 kDa (Cep170), a protein that was shown previously to localize to centrosomes as well as spindle microtubules and promotes microtubule organization and microtubule assembly. Interestingly, selective disruption of Ccdc61 impairs the binding between Cep170 and TANK binding kinase 1, an interaction that is required for microtubule stability. In summary, we have discovered Ccdc61 as a centrosomal protein with an important function in mitotic microtubule organization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Centrosome
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Epithelial Cells / ultrastructure
  • Gene Expression
  • HEK293 Cells
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / genetics*
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism
  • Microtubules / metabolism*
  • Microtubules / ultrastructure
  • Mitosis*
  • Osteoblasts / metabolism
  • Osteoblasts / ultrastructure
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • Spindle Apparatus / metabolism*
  • Spindle Apparatus / ultrastructure
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • C9orf92 protein, human
  • CCDC61 protein, human
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Cep170 protein, human
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • TBK1 protein, human