Analyses of dynein heavy chain mutations reveal complex interactions between dynein motor domains and cellular dynein functions.

ABSTRACT: Cytoplasmic dynein transports cargoes for a variety of crucial cellular functions. However, since dynein is essential in most eukaryotic organisms, the in-depth study of the cellular function of dynein via genetic analysis of dynein mutations has not been practical. Here, we identify and characterize 34 different dynein heavy chain mutations using a genetic screen of the ascomycete fungus Neurospora crassa, in which dynein is nonessential. Interestingly, our studies show that these mutations segregate into five different classes based on the in vivo localization of the mutated dynein motors. Furthermore, we have determined that the different classes of dynein mutations alter vesicle trafficking, microtubule organization, and nuclear distribution in distinct ways and require dynactin to dif

SUBMITTER: Sivagurunathan S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3415999 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature