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A plus-end-directed motor enzyme that moves antiparallel microtubules in vitro localizes to the interzone of mitotic spindles

Abstract

MITOSIS comprises a complex set of overlapping motile events, many of which involve microtubule-dependent motor enzymes1,2. Here we describe a new member of the kinesin superfamily. The protein was originally identified as a spindle antigen by the CHO1 monoclonal antibody3 and shown to be required for mitotic progression4,5. We have cloned the gene that encodes this antigen and found that its sequence contains a domain with strong sequence similarity to the motor domain of kinesin-like proteins. The product of this gene, expressed in bacteria, can cross-bridge antiparallel microtubules in vitro, and in the presence of Mg–ATP, microtubules slide over one another in a fashion reminiscent of microtubule movements during spindle elongation.

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Nislow, C., Lombillo, V., Kuriyama, R. et al. A plus-end-directed motor enzyme that moves antiparallel microtubules in vitro localizes to the interzone of mitotic spindles. Nature 359, 543–547 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1038/359543a0

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