Regulation and Function of the Ipl1/Aurora Kinase
Abstract
Ipl1p is the budding yeast member of the highly conserved Ipl1/Aurora kinase family. Ipl1p is required for chromosome biorientation and the spindle checkpoint. Previous work done in the Biggins laboratory uncovered new functions for Ipl1p in spindle disassembly and spindle orientation. Ipl1p localizes to the spindle midzone during anaphase and tracks the plus ends of the depolymerizing spindle MTs. Cells lacking Kip3p, a MT destabilizing kinesin, are delayed in spindle breakdown similar to Ipl1 mutants. It is possible that Ipl1p regulates spindle breakdown by directly regulating Kip3 activity. We found that Kip3p is phosphorylated by Ipl1p in vitro and is a phospho-protein in vivo. Mutating one of the Ipl1p consensus sites in Kip3p generates a spindle disassembly delay similar to ipl1 and kip3DELTA mutants. We are currently testing whether the Kip3p is phosphorylated by Ipl1p in vivo. In addition we have uncovered a new role for Ipl1p in spindle assembly that is independent of its other functions. Ipl1p acts in parallel with Cin8p, a kinesin-like motor protein, in the assembly of a bipolar spindle.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA432454
Entities
People
- Chitra Kotwaliwale
- Sue Biggins