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A bipolar kinesin

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Abstract

CHROMOSOME segregation during mitosis depends on the action of the mitotic spindle, a self-organizing, bipolar protein machine which uses microtubules (MTs) and their associated motors1,2. Members of the BimC subfamily of kinesin-related MT–motor proteins are believed to be essential for the formation and functioning of a normal bipolar spindle3–14. Here we report that KRP130, a homotetrameric BimC-related kinesin purified from Drosophila melanogaster embryos13, has an unusual ultrastructure. It consists of four kinesin-related polypeptides assembled into a bipolar aggregate with motor domains at opposite ends, analogous to a miniature myosin filament15. Such a bipolar 'minifilament' could crosslink spindle MTs and slide them relative to one another. We do not know of any other MT motors that have a bipolar structure.

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Author notes

  1. W. M. Saxton: Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA

    A. S. Kashlna, R. J. Baskin, D. G. Cole, K. P. Wedaman, W. M. Saxton & J. M. Scholey

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  1. A. S. Kashlna
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  2. R. J. Baskin
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  3. D. G. Cole
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  4. K. P. Wedaman
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  5. W. M. Saxton
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  6. J. M. Scholey
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Kashlna, A., Baskin, R., Cole, D. et al. A bipolar kinesin. Nature 379, 270–272 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1038/379270a0

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