The NuMA protein, which functions as a nuclear matrix protein in interphase (Merdes and Cleveland 1998), redistributes to the cytoplasm following nuclear envelope breakdown where it plays an essential role in formation and maintenance of the spindle poles (Gaglio, et al., 1995; Gaglio, et al., 1996; Merdes et al, 1996). The mitotic activation of NuMA involves Ran-GTP-dependent dissociation from importin (Nachury et al, 2001, Wiese et al, 2001). NuMA is transported to the mitotic poles where it forms an insoluble crescent around centrosomes tethering microtubules into the bipolar configuration of the mitotic apparatus (Merdes et al., 2000; Kisurina-Evgenieva et al, 2004). Although NuMA is not a bona fide constituent of the mitotic centrosome but rather a protein associated with microtubules at the spindle pole, specific splice variants of NuMA have been identified that associate with the centrosome during interphase (Tang et al, 1994).
Earnshaw, WC, Heald, R, Merdes, A, Cleveland, DW, Samejima, K
Vechio, JD, Ramyar, K, Merdes, A, Cleveland, DW
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