MTR120/KIAA1383, a novel microtubule-associated protein, promotes microtubule stability and ensures cytokinesis.

Ka-wing Fong, Justin Wai-chung Leung, Yujing Li, Wenqi Wang, Lin Feng, Wenbin Ma, Dan Liu, Zhou Songyang, Junjie Chen

Journal: Journal of cell science 2013;126(Pt 3):825-37

PMID: 23264731

Abstract

Microtubules (MTs) are the major constituent of the mitotic apparatus. Deregulation of MT dynamics leads to chromosome missegregation, cytokinesis failure and improper inheritance of genetic materials. Here, we describe the identification and characterization of KIAA1383/MTR120 (microtubule regulator 120 kDa) as a novel MT-associated protein. We found that MTR120 localizes to stabilized MTs during interphase and to the mitotic apparatus during mitosis. MTR120 overexpression results in MT bundling and acetylation. In vitro, purified MTR120 protein binds to and bundles preassembled MTs. Moreover, depletion of MTR120 by RNA interference leads to cytokinesis failure and polyploidy. These phenotypes can be rescued by wild-type MTR120 but not by the MT non-binding mutant of MTR120. Together, these data suggest that MTR120 is a novel MT-associated protein that directly stabilizes MTs and hence ensures the fidelity of cell division.

Address: Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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