Targeting Alp7/TACC to the spindle pole body is essential for mitotic spindle assembly in fission yeast

The conserved TACC protein family localises to the centrosome (the spindle pole body, SPB in fungi) and mitotic spindles, thereby playing a crucial role in bipolar spindle assembly. However, it remains elusive how TACC proteins are recruited to the centrosome/SPB. Here, using fission yeast Alp7/TACC, we have determined clustered five amino acid residues within the TACC domain required for SPB localisation. Critically, these sequences are essential for the functions of Alp7, including proper spindle formation and mitotic progression. Moreover, we have identified pericentrin-like Pcp1 as a loading factor to the mitotic SPB, although Pcp1 is not a sole platform. Structured summary of protein interactions: Alp14 and Alp7 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction) Alp4 and Alp7 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction) Alp7 and Pcp1 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction) Alp7 physically interacts with Pcp1 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction) Pcp1 physically interacts with Alp7 by anti bait coip (View interaction) Crown Copyright (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Federation of European Biochemical Society.