Cross-linking mass spectrometry identifies new interfaces of Augmin required to localise the γ-Tubulin ring complex to the mitotic spindle

Jack W.C. Chen, Zhuo A. Chen, Kacper B. Rogala, Jeremy Metz, Charlotte M. Deane, Juri Rappsilber, James G. Wakefield*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The hetero-octameric protein complex, Augmin, recruits γ-Tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC) to pre-existing microtubules (MTs) to generate branched MTs during mitosis, facilitating robust spindle assembly. However, despite a recent partial reconstitution of the human Augmin complex in vitro, the molecular basis of this recruitment remains unclear. Here, we used immuno-Affinity purification of in vivo Augmin from Drosophila and cross-linking/mass spectrometry to identify distance restraints between residues within the eight Augmin subunits in the absence of any other structural information. The results allowed us to predict potential interfaces between Augmin and γ-TuRC. We tested these predictions biochemically and in the Drosophila embryo, demonstrating that specific regions of the Augmin subunits, Dgt3, Dgt5 and Dgt6 all directly bind the γ-TuRC protein, Dgp71WD, and are required for the accumulation of γ-TuRC, but not Augmin, to the mitotic spindle. This study therefore substantially increases our understanding of the molecular mechanisms.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)654-663
Number of pages10
JournalBiology Open
Volume6
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 May 2017

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Augmin
  • Drosophila
  • Microtubule
  • Mitosis
  • Spindle
  • γ-TuRC

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cross-linking mass spectrometry identifies new interfaces of Augmin required to localise the γ-Tubulin ring complex to the mitotic spindle'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this