Selective regulation of kinesin-5 function by β-tubulin carboxy-terminal tails

The tubulin code hypothesis predicts that tubulin tails create programs for selective regulation of microtubule-binding proteins, including kinesin motors. However, the molecular mechanisms that determine selective regulation and their relevance in cells are poorly understood. We report selective regulation of budding yeast kinesin-5 motors by the β-tubulin tail. Cin8, but not Kip1, requires the β-tubulin tail for recruitment to the mitotic spindle, creating a balance of both motors in the spindle and efficient mitotic progression. We identify a negatively charged patch in the β-tubulin tail that mediates interaction with Cin8. Using in vitro reconstitution with genetically modified yeast tubulin, we demonstrate that the charged patch of β-tubulin tail increases Cin8 plus-end-directed velocity and processivity. Finally, we determine that the positively charged amino-terminal extension of Cin8 coordinates interactions with the β-tubulin tail. Our work identifies a molecular mechanism underlying selective regulation of closely related kinesin motors by tubulin tails and how this regulation promotes proper function of the mitotic spindle.