Free microtubule minus ends, found in many differentiated cells, contribute to polarized motility. Work from Jiang et al. (2014) in this issue of Developmental Cell shows how mammalian CAMSAP proteins stabilize minus ends, providing a key piece to the puzzle of how these minus ends are formed and stabilized.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.devcel.2014.01.025 | DOI Listing |
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Article Synopsis
- Accurate mitosis requires chromosomes to achieve "biorientation," where sister chromatids are linked to opposite microtubules through kinetochores.
- Kinetochores initially attach to the sides of microtubules and must subsequently convert these attachments to the plus ends through a trial-and-error method, emphasizing the need for error-correction mechanisms.
- Research shows that kinetochores have a stronger grip on microtubules pulled towards their plus ends, and this sensitivity to microtubule polarity may help stabilize correct connections early in mitosis.
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