An epigenetic regulator emerges as microtubule minus-end binding and stabilizing factor in mitosis

Nat Commun. 2015 Aug 5:6:7889. doi: 10.1038/ncomms8889.

Abstract

The evolutionary conserved NSL complex is a prominent epigenetic regulator controlling expression of thousands of genes. Here we uncover a novel function of the NSL complex members in mitosis. As the cell enters mitosis, KANSL1 and KANSL3 undergo a marked relocalisation from the chromatin to the mitotic spindle. By stabilizing microtubule minus ends in a RanGTP-dependent manner, they are essential for spindle assembly and chromosome segregation. Moreover, we identify KANSL3 as a microtubule minus-end-binding protein, revealing a new class of mitosis-specific microtubule minus-end regulators. By adopting distinct functions in interphase and mitosis, KANSL proteins provide a link to coordinate the tasks of faithful expression and inheritance of the genome during different phases of the cell cycle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism
  • Drosophila melanogaster
  • HEK293 Cells
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism
  • Microtubules / metabolism
  • Mitosis*
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Spindle Apparatus / metabolism*
  • Xenopus laevis
  • ran GTP-Binding Protein / metabolism

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • KANSL3 protein, human
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • NSL1 protein, human
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • TPX2 protein, human
  • ran GTP-Binding Protein