Determining the molecular mechanism of localizing and activating the gamma-tubulin ring complex (gamma-TuRC) at the centrosome

Princeton University, Princeton NJ

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

? DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The microtubule cytoskeleton is required for multiple essential functions of the cell, including vesicle transport, organelle positioning, cell migration and assembly of the mitotic spindle. The centrosome acts as the primary organizer of the cytoskeleton, regulating microtubule nucleation, growth, and positioning. Human diseases such as autosomal recessive primary microcephaly are primarily caused by defects in proteins that are localized to, and function at, the centrosome1. As such, developing an understanding of how these proteins act at the centrosome to promote cytoskeletal organization is also of medical relevance. Hundreds of proteins have been identified as components of the centrosome2,3, yet how specific proteins act to promote new microtubule nucleation from the cell's dominant microtubule organizing center is still unknown. Despite identification of the gamma-tubulin ring complex (?-TuRC) as a major microtubule nucleator in the cell4-7, it remains unclear how it gets localized and activated specifically at the centrosome to generate microtubules. The overall goal of this proposal is to determine how the centrosome nucleates microtubules for building the microtubule cytoskeleton of the cell. In order to achieve this goal, I will develop an assay to visualize, in real time, new microtubule formation at the centrosome in a cell-free system using single molecule microscopy. I will investigate which proteins are responsible for localizing ?-TuRC to the centrosome and for specifically activating it there. Finally, I will determine how the key molecular players induce centrosomal microtubule nucleation. Completion of these aims will provide a molecular understanding of how microtubules are nucleated at the centrosome and how this contributes to building the microtubule cytoskeleton in health and disease.