A direct interaction with NEDD1 regulates gamma-tubulin recruitment to the centrosome

PLoS One. 2010 Mar 10;5(3):e9618. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009618.

Abstract

The centrosome is the primary microtubule organizing centre of the cell. gamma-tubulin is a core component of the centrosome and is required for microtubule nucleation and centrosome function. The recruitment of gamma-tubulin to centrosomes is mediated by its interaction with NEDD1, a WD40-repeat containing protein. Here we demonstrate that NEDD1 is likely to be oligomeric in vivo and binds directly to gamma-tubulin through a small region of just 62 residues at the carboxyl-terminus of the protein. This carboxyl-terminal domain that binds gamma-tubulin has a helical structure and is a stable tetramer in solution. Mutation of residues in NEDD1 that disrupt binding to gamma-tubulin result in a mis-localization of gamma-tubulin away from the centrosome. Hence, this study defines the binding site on NEDD1 that is required for its interaction with gamma-tubulin, and shows that this interaction is required for the correct localization of gamma-tubulin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Line
  • Centrosome / metabolism*
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mutation
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Tubulin / chemistry
  • Tubulin / metabolism*

Substances

  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • NEDD1 protein, human
  • Tubulin
  • Nedd1 protein, mouse