High impact information on msps

• We propose that the polar localization of Msps mediated by D-TACC and Ncd may be crucial for the stabilization of meiotic spindle bipolarity [1].
• If D-TACC levels are increased, both D-TACC and Msps accumulate around the centrosomes/spindle poles, and the centrosomal microtubules appear to be stabilized [2].
• Here, we show that the depletion or mutation of Msps prevents interphase microtubules from extending to the cell periphery and leads to the formation of stable microtubule bundles [3].
• Mutation in msps disrupts the structural integrity of the mitotic spindle, resulting in the formation of one or more small additional spindles in diploid cells [4].
• In the embryonic division cycles, Msps protein localizes to centrosomal regions at all mitotic stages, and spreads over the spindles during metaphase and anaphase [4].

Biological context of msps

• Mini spindles, the XMAP215 homologue, suppresses pausing of interphase microtubules in Drosophila [3].
• Transforming acidic coiled coil (TACC) proteins stabilize MTs during mitosis by recruiting Minispindles (Msps)/XMAP215 proteins to centrosomes [5].
• The Drosophila microtubule-associated protein mini spindles is required for cytoplasmic microtubules in oogenesis [6].
• RNAi depletion of Ncd, another minus-end motor, produced disorganized spindles consisting of multiple disconnected mini-spindles, a different phenotype consistent with distinct pathways of spindle pole organization [7].
• A Xenopus TACC homolog called Maskin is involved in translational control, while Drosophila D-TACC interacts with the microtubule-associated protein MSPS (Mini SPindleS) to ensure proper dynamics of spindle pole microtubules during cell division [8].

Anatomical context of msps

• We also identify defects in cytoplasmic microtubules in both the germ and follicle cells of mutant ovaries and determine the expression pattern of msps mRNA and protein in developing egg chambers [6].
• The XMAP215/ch-TOG/Msps family of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) promote microtubule growth in vitro and are concentrated at centrosomes in vivo [2].

Other interactions of msps

• If D-TACC levels are reduced, Msps does not concentrate at the centrosomes efficiently and the centrosomal microtubules appear to be destabilized [2].

References