Microtubule-depolymerizing motor proteins regulate microtubule dynamics during chromosome segregation, but whether they can independently grip the ends of shrinking kinetochore microtubules has remained unresolved. MCAK, a member of the kinesin-13 motor protein family, is now shown to grip microtubules on its own and harness the forces of microtubule disassembly.
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Diez, S. Multi-talented MCAK: Microtubule depolymerizer with a strong grip. Nat Cell Biol 13, 738–740 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncb0711-738
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ncb0711-738
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