Okhura lab paper featured in Journal of Cell Biology. Image Authors Meireles AM, Fisher KH, Colombié N, Wakefield JG, Ohkura H. J Cell Biol. 2009 Mar 23;184(6):777-84. Epub 2009 Mar 16 Summary Microtubules are highly dynamic polymers required for key cellular processes, such as the formation of the mitotic spindle. In a screen for regulators of microtubule dynamics, the Ohkura lab has identified several new proteins required for spindle function. In this paper, the authors studied the role of one of those proteins, Wac (wee Augmin component). Wac depletion in cultured cells, especially without functional centrosomes, causes severe defects in spindle assembly. Surprisingly a wac deletion mutant is viable but female sterile and shows only a mild impact on somatic mitosis. Unexpectedly, mutant female meiosis showed robust microtubule assembly of the acentrosomal spindle but frequent chromosome misalignment. For the first time, this study establishes the role of an Augmin subunit in developing organisms and provides an insight into the architecture of the complex. Related links Journal link This article was published on 2024-06-17
