Characterization of gamma-tubulin protein interactions and their functions in acentrosomal cells

Abstract

The long term goal of the Laboratory of Functional Cytology is to characterize the roles of γ-tubulin in acentrosomal plant model. Besides characterizing γ-tubulin interactions with plant homologues of proteins of γ-tubulin complexes (GCPs) and determination of their canonical role in microtubule nucleation, we also collect the evidence for γ-tubulin association with proteins that are not directly involved in microtubule nucleation. These γ-tubulin interacting proteins have been of high interest since their characterization might provide a platform for understanding the novel, yet not fully understood functions of γ-tubulin. The major aim of the laboratory is to determine signalling that regulates γ-tubulin complexes and their role in multiple processes in plants. Specifically, the cell cycle regulatory signalling in regulation of microtubular cytoskeleton nucleation and organization is of high interest