ATP-dependent microtubule severing protein. Microtubule severing may promote reorganization of cellular microtubule arrays and the release of microtubules from the centrosome following nucleation. Required for membrane traffic from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi and for completion of the abscission stage of cytokinesis. Also plays a role in axon growth and the formation of axonal branches.
Specificity
Natural and recombinant Bovine Spastin
Subcellular Location
Membrane Single-pass membrane protein Cytoplasm cytoskeleton centrosome Cytoplasm cytoskeleton Cytoplasm perinuclear region Endoplasmic reticulum Endosome Nucleus Cytoplasm cytoskeleton spindle Localization to the centrosome is independent of microtubules. Localizes to the midbody of dividing cells, and this requires CHMP1B. Enriched in the distal axons and branches of postmitotic neurons.
Homohexamer. Binding to ATP stabilizes the homohexameric form. Binds to microtubules at least in part via the alpha-tubulin and beta-tubulin tails. The hexamer may adopt a ring conformation through which microtubules pass prior to being severed. Does not interact strongly with tubulin heterodimers. Interacts (via MIT domain) with CHMP1B; the interaction is direct. Interacts with ATL1, RTN1, SSNA1 and ZFYVE27.