The homotetrameric kinesin-5 KLP61F preferentially crosslinks microtubules into antiparallel orientations.

ABSTRACT: The segregation of genetic material during mitosis is coordinated by the mitotic spindle, whose action depends upon the polarity patterns of its microtubules (MTs). Homotetrameric mitotic kinesin-5 motors can crosslink and slide adjacent spindle MTs, but it is unknown whether they or other motors contribute to establishing these MT polarity patterns. Here, we explored whether the Drosophila embryo kinesin-5 KLP61F, which plausibly crosslinks both parallel and antiparallel MTs, displays a preference for parallel or antiparallel MT orientation. In motility assays, KLP61F was observed to crosslink and slide adjacent MTs, as predicted. Remarkably, KLP61F displayed a 3-fold higher preference for crosslinking MTs in the antiparallel orientation. This polarity preference was observed in the prese

SUBMITTER: van den Wildenberg SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2657206 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature