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Myosin V orientates the mitotic spindle in yeast
H Yin1, D Pruyne, T C Huffaker
1Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
Nature
|September 13, 2000
Summary
Yeast Myo2, a myosin V motor protein, orients the cell division spindle by interacting with the microtubule-associated protein Kar9. This mechanism ensures accurate chromosome segregation and cell polarity during cell division.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Spindle orientation is crucial for accurate chromosome segregation and cell morphogenesis in eukaryotes.
- Microtubule-cortical cytoskeleton interactions drive spindle orientation, but the molecular motor remained unidentified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the molecular motor responsible for orienting the spindle in yeast cells.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which the spindle is aligned with the cell division axis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized yeast genetics and cell biology techniques.
- Investigated the role of Myo2, a myosin V motor protein, in spindle orientation.
- Examined the interaction between Myo2 and Kar9, a microtubule-associated protein.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that yeast Myo2 directly binds and polarizes Kar9.
- Showed Myo2-Kar9 interaction is essential for early cell cycle spindle orientation.
- Identified Myo2's tail domain interaction with secretory vesicles and vacuoles.
Conclusions:
- Yeast Myo2 acts as the motive force for spindle orientation by interacting with Kar9.
- Myo2 is a pivotal protein linking spindle positioning to cell polarization mechanisms.
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