Your browser version may not work well with NCBI's Web applications. More information here...
1: J Cell Biol. 2004 Sep 27;166(7):949-55.Click here to read Click here to read Links

The mechanism of spindle assembly: functions of Ran and its target TPX2.

Gruss OJ, Vernos I.

Cell Biology and Biophysics Program, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstrasse 1, Heidelberg 69117, Germany. o.gruss@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de

Recent work has provided new insights into the mechanism of spindle assembly. Growing evidence supports a model in which the small GTPase Ran plays a central role in this process. Here, we examine the evidence for the existence of a RanGTP gradient around mitotic chromosomes and some controversial data on the role that chromosomes play in spindle assembly. We review the current knowledge on the Ran downstream targets for spindle assembly and we focus on the multiple roles of TPX2, one of the targets of RanGTP during cell division.

PMID: 15452138 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PMCID: PMC2172015