Hexameric NuMA:LGN structures promote multivalent interactions required for planar epithelial divisions.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 31101817.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-019-09999-w and PMC identifier 6525239.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Cortical force generators connect epithelial polarity sites with astral microtubules, allowing dynein movement to orient the mitotic spindle as astral microtubules depolymerize. Complexes of the LGN and NuMA proteins, fundamental components of force generators, are recruited to the cortex by Gαi-subunits of heterotrimeric G-proteins. They associate with dynein/dynactin and activate the motor activity pulling on astral microtubules. The architecture of cortical force generators is unknown. Here we report the crystal structure of NuMA:LGN hetero-hexamers, and unveil their role in promoting the assembly of active cortical dynein/dynactin motors that are required in orchestrating oriented divisions in polarized cells. Our work elucidates the basis for the structural organization of essential spindle orientation motors.
Medical subject headings
- Antigens, Nuclear
- Cell Polarity
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
- Nuclear Matrix-Associated Proteins
- Spindle Apparatus