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Parallel genetic and proteomic screens identify Msps as a CLASP-Abl pathway interactor in Drosophila
L A Lowery1, H Lee, C Lu
1Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Genetics
|May 26, 2010
Summary
Cytoskeletal regulation involves microtubule plus-end tracking proteins (MT+TIPs). CLASP and Minispindles (Msps) interact antagonistically, influencing axon guidance and the Abl signaling pathway.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Cytoskeletal dynamics are crucial for cellular functions.
- Microtubule plus-end tracking proteins (MT+TIPs) regulate microtubule behavior.
- CLASP is an MT+TIP implicated in coordinating microtubules with other cellular structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify functional partners of CLASP.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanism of CLASP function.
- To understand CLASP's role in cytoskeletal coordination.
Main Methods:
- Parallel genetic and proteome-wide screens in Drosophila melanogaster.
- Identification of CLASP interactors and genetic modifiers.
- Functional analysis of Minispindles (Msps) in relation to CLASP and Abl.
Main Results:
- Identified 36 genetic modifiers and 179 candidate physical interactors of CLASP.
- Discovered Minispindles (Msps) as a key interactor and modifier.
- Demonstrated Msps antagonizes CLASP and Abl activity during axon guidance.
Conclusions:
- CLASP and Msps function antagonistically within the Abl signaling pathway.
- Msps plays a role in axon guidance by modulating CLASP and Abl.
- These findings provide insights into the coordination of cytoskeletal elements and signaling pathways.
