Journal
NATURE CELL BIOLOGY
Volume 2, Issue 6, Pages 352-357Publisher
NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP
DOI: 10.1038/35014045
Keywords
-
Categories
Funding
- NIGMS NIH HHS [GM25062] Funding Source: Medline
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Two opposing models have been proposed to explain how the gamma-tubulin ring complex (gamma TuRC) induces microtubule nucleation. In the 'protofilament' model, the gamma TuRC induces nucleation as a partially or completely straightened protofilament that is incorporated longitudinally into the wall of the nascent microtubule, whereas the 'template' model proposes that the gamma TuRC acts as a helical template that constitutes the base of the newly-formed polymer. Here we appraise these two models, using high-resolution structural and immunolocalization methods. We show that components of the gamma TuRC localize to a narrow zone at the extreme minus end of the microtubule and that these ends terminate in a pointed cap. Together, these results strongly favour the template model of microtubule nucleation.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available