A role for the octameric ring protein, Translin, in mitotic cell division

• Published in: FEBS letters Vol. 525; no. 1; pp. 105 - 110
• Main Authors: Ishida, Reiko, Okado, Haruo, Sato, Hiroko, Shionoiri, Chieko, Aoki, Katsunori, Kasai, Masataka
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier B.V 14.08.2002
• Subjects: Animals; Bromodeoxyuridine; Cell Cycle - drug effects; Cell Cycle - physiology; Cell Cycle - radiation effects; Cell Division - physiology; Cell Division - radiation effects; Cell Line; Cell Survival - drug effects; Cell Survival - radiation effects; Centrosome - metabolism; Chromosome segregation; Cytokinesis; DNA - biosynthesis; DNA-Binding Proteins - genetics; DNA-Binding Proteins - metabolism; Doxycycline - pharmacology; Flow Cytometry; HeLa Cells; Humans; Kidney - cytology; Kidney - drug effects; Kidney - metabolism; Kidney - radiation effects; Mice; Microtubules - metabolism; Mitosis - physiology; Mitosis - radiation effects; Recombinant Fusion Proteins - genetics; Recombinant Fusion Proteins - metabolism; RNA-Binding Proteins; Spindle Apparatus - physiology; Translin; Tubulin - metabolism; Cytokinesis; Chromosome segregation; Translin
• ISSN: 0014-5793; 1873-3468
• DOI: 10.1016/S0014-5793(02)03095-8

The octameric ring protein, Translin, demonstrates marked similarities to the family of helicase enzymes regarding its quaternary organization and dimerization of subunits. Here we show that the level of Translin closely parallels the proliferative state in various cell types. Expression is periodic during the cell cycle, with protein synthesis becoming maximal in the S and mitosis phases, consistent with a role in cell division. Moreover, induced overexpression of Translin was found to accelerate cell proliferation. Confocal microscopic analysis revealed that Translin is localized at the centrosomes at prophase and the mitotic spindle at metaphase, then translocating to the spindle midbodies during cytokinesis. This novel localization is attributable to specific interactions with microtubules of the mitotic spindles, and especially γ-tubulin. The results suggest that Translin participates in processes ensuring the segregation of chromosomes and cytokinesis.