ZO-2 is a scaffold at the centriole and mitotic spindle poles that enhances microtubule stability and supports the proper development of mitotic spindles and cilia.

ABSTRACT: Previous studies revealed the presence of several tight junction (TJ) proteins in the centrosome and their interaction with various centriolar proteins, prompting us to analyze whether this also applies to the TJ protein ZO-2. Here, we found that ZO-2 colocalizes with CEP164 in the distal appendage of the mother centriole and is also present in the pericentriolar region, mitotic spindle poles, the basal body of primary cilia, and the tail of spermatozoa. The absence of ZO-2 altered the cellular content of centriolar proteins CEP164, centriolin, and CEP135, but did not change the morphology of centrioles. ZO-2 depletion inhibits the development of astral and mitotic spindle microtubules expressing EB1. At the spindle poles, ZO-2 depletion increases the accumulation of NuMA while reducing th

SUBMITTER: Vega-Torreblanca S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12484294 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature