Molecular architecture of the augmin complex
Accurate segregation of chromosomes during mitosis depends on the correct assembly of the mitotic spindle, a bipolar structure composed mainly of microtubules. The augmin complex, or homologous to augmin subunits (HAUS) complex, is an eight-subunit protein complex required for building robust mitoti...
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Veröffentlicht in: | Nature communications 2022-09, Vol.13 (1), p.5449-5449, Article 5449 |
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Sprache: | eng |
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Zusammenfassung: | Accurate segregation of chromosomes during mitosis depends on the correct assembly of the mitotic spindle, a bipolar structure composed mainly of microtubules. The augmin complex, or homologous to augmin subunits (HAUS) complex, is an eight-subunit protein complex required for building robust mitotic spindles in metazoa. Augmin increases microtubule density within the spindle by recruiting the γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC) to pre-existing microtubules and nucleating branching microtubules. Here, we elucidate the molecular architecture of augmin by single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), computational methods, and crosslinking mass spectrometry (CLMS). Augmin’s highly flexible structure contains a V-shaped head and a filamentous tail, with the head existing in either extended or contracted conformational states. Our work highlights how cryo-EM, complemented by computational advances and CLMS, can elucidate the structure of a challenging protein complex and provides insights into the function of augmin in mediating microtubule branching nucleation.
The eight-subunit augmin complex is required to nucleate branching microtubules and create a robust mitotic spindle during cell division. Here, the authors use cryo-EM, crosslinking mass spectrometry, and computational tools to build a structural model of the human augmin complex. |
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ISSN: | 2041-1723 2041-1723 |
DOI: | 10.1038/s41467-022-33227-7 |