In collaboration with a group led by the CNIO and the CRG, the IQFR has participated in a study to understand the interactions that regulate the dynamic properties of microtubules and their organization during mitosis. The work has focused on the characterization of the molecular interaction between TACC3 and chTOG. These proteins are key in forming the internal cellular framework that enables and sustains cell division. The work was carried out by a multiexperimental approximation using a variety of biophysical (SAXS, NMR, CD), biochemical and cellular techniques. It has been possible to define the minimum active domain of TACC3 and derive a 3D model by SAXS. By NMR we have identified key residues for molecular interaction. From these data, designed mutants have allowed us to see, in cells, how preventing this association the mitotic spindle assembly is not produced.

The results may help to optimise current oncological therapies specifically designed to fight against this framework, named by the scientific community as microtubules

This study was funded by the CONSOLIDER programme of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, the Ramón Areces Foundation, and the Community of Madrid.

XTACC3-XMAP215 association reveals an asymmetric interaction promoting microtubule elongation.

Mortuza GB, Cavazza T, Garcia-Mayoral MF, Hermida D, Peset I, Pedrero JG, Merino N, Blanco FJ, Lyngsø J, Bruix M, Pedersen JS, Vernos I, Montoya G. Nat Commun. 2014 Sep 29;5:5072. doi: 10.1038/ncomms6072.