Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-2-2006

Publication Title

Journal of Cell Science

Department

Department of Biological Sciences

Abstract

Kinesin-like calmodulin-binding protein, KCBP, is a novel member of the C-kinesin superfamily first discovered in flowering plants. This minus-end-directed kinesin exhibits Ca(2+)-calmodulin-sensitive motor activity in vitro and has been implicated in trichome morphogenesis and cell division. A homologue of KCBP is also found in the unicellular, biflagellate green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CrKCBP). Unlike plant cells, Chlamydomonas cells do not form trichomes and do not assemble a phragmoplast before cell division. To test whether CrKCBP is involved in additional microtubule-based processes not observed in plants, we generated antibodies against the putative calmodulin-binding domain and used these antibodies in biochemical and localization studies. In interphase cells CrKCBP primarily localizes near the base of the flagella, although surprisingly, a small fraction also localizes along the length of the flagella. CrKCBP is bound to isolated axonemes in an ATP-dependent fashion and is not a component of the dynein arms, radial spokes or central apparatus. During mitosis, CrKCBP appears concentrated at the centrosomes during prophase and metaphase. However, during telophase and cytokinesis CrKCBP co-localizes with the microtubules associated with the phycoplast. These studies implicate CrKCBP in flagellar functions as well as cell division.

DOI

10.1242/jcs.03028

Original Citation

Dymek EE, Goduti D, Kramer T, Smith EF. A kinesin-like calmodulin-binding protein in Chlamydomonas: evidence for a role in cell division and flagellar functions. J Cell Sci. 2006 Aug 1;119(Pt 15):3107-16. doi: 10.1242/jcs.03028. Epub 2006 Jul 11. PMID: 16835274.

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