2019
Spastin is a dual-function enzyme that severs microtubules and promotes their regrowth to increase the number and mass of microtubules
Kuo YW, Trottier O, Mahamdeh M, Howard J. Spastin is a dual-function enzyme that severs microtubules and promotes their regrowth to increase the number and mass of microtubules. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences Of The United States Of America 2019, 116: 5533-5541. PMID: 30837315, PMCID: PMC6431158, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1818824116.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDual-function enzymeMicrotubule dynamicsMass of microtubulesMicrotubule cytoskeletonDynamic cellular processesCellular processesMicrotubule regrowthNeuronal morphogenesisSevering activityVivo phenotypeMicrotubule assaysMicrotubulesNumber of microtubulesSpastinMicrotubule fragmentsRescue frequencyShort fragmentsCytoskeletonMicrotubule massObserved exponential increaseEnzymeRemodelersFidgetinKataninCiliogenesis
2016
A force-generating machinery maintains the spindle at the cell center during mitosis
Garzon-Coral C, Fantana HA, Howard J. A force-generating machinery maintains the spindle at the cell center during mitosis. Science 2016, 352: 1124-1127. PMID: 27230381, PMCID: PMC6535051, DOI: 10.1126/science.aad9745.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsForce-generating machineryMitotic spindleAsymmetric divisionDaughter cellsCell centerIntact cellsMagnetic tweezersCorrect localizationNumber of microtubulesMachinerySpindleForce generatorCellsCaenorhabditisAnaphaseLocalizationAccurate partitionsMitosisEmbryosMicrotubulesCytoplasmMetaphasePrecise localizationSmall cellsDivision