GO:1990811 MWP complex: Components, Assembly and Research Methods
Research-grade guide for scientists and biopharma professionals
Key Takeaways
• GO:1990811 (MWP complex) is a protein ternary complex that anchors microtubule minus ends to mitotic spindle pole bodies.
• The founding complex contains Msd1 (a microtubule anchoring protein), a WD-repeat Wdr8 family protein, and a minus end-directed kinesin.
• The MWP complex is also known as the Msd1-Wdr8-Pkl1 complex.
• It is annotated as a cellular_component and is essential for mitotic spindle function.
• Research on the MWP complex relies on gene knockout, point mutation, knock-in, and overexpression models.
• Understanding MWP complex biology can inform studies of cell division and related diseases.
Description
The MWP complex (GO:1990811) is a protein ternary complex that anchors microtubule minus ends to mitotic spindle pole bodies. This cellular component is essential for proper spindle assembly and chromosome segregation during cell division. The founding complex was identified in fission yeast and contains a microtubule anchoring protein (Msd1), a WD-repeat Wdr8 family protein, and a minus end-directed kinesin. Researchers study the MWP complex to understand how microtubule organization is controlled at spindle poles, a process fundamental to mitosis. Because defects in spindle function can lead to aneuploidy and cell death, the MWP complex is of interest in cancer biology and developmental studies.
MWP complex At A Glance
| GO ID | GO:1990811 |
|---|---|
| GO term | MWP complex |
| Ontology | cellular_component |
| Synonym | Msd1-Wdr8-Pkl1 complex |
| Major function | Anchors microtubule minus ends to mitotic spindle pole bodies |
| Founding components | Msd1, Wdr8 family protein, minus end-directed kinesin |
| Organism | Fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) |
| Related process | Mitotic spindle assembly and chromosome segregation |
What Is GO:1990811?
The MWP complex is a protein ternary complex that anchors microtubule minus ends to mitotic spindle pole bodies. It is defined in the Gene Ontology as a cellular component, meaning it is a part of the cell where specific functions occur. The complex is composed of three main proteins: Msd1, a WD-repeat Wdr8 family protein, and a minus end-directed kinesin. Its synonym, Msd1-Wdr8-Pkl1 complex, reflects the founding components in fission yeast. This complex is required for linking microtubule minus ends to spindle pole bodies, ensuring proper spindle architecture.
Why Is MWP complex Important in Cell Biology?
The MWP complex is critical for mitotic spindle function because it anchors microtubule minus ends to spindle pole bodies, a step required for proper chromosome segregation. Disruption of this complex can lead to spindle defects, aneuploidy, and cell death, making it a potential target for understanding cell division and cancer. Studying the MWP complex helps researchers dissect the molecular mechanisms of microtubule anchoring and spindle organization.
• Essential for anchoring microtubule minus ends to spindle pole bodies.
• Required for proper mitotic spindle assembly and chromosome segregation.
• Founding member Msd1 is a microtubule anchoring protein.
• Wdr8 family proteins are involved in spindle function.
• Minus end-directed kinesin contributes to microtubule organization.
• Defects in MWP complex components can cause spindle abnormalities.
• Relevant to cancer research due to roles in cell division.
• Provides a model for studying microtubule anchoring mechanisms.
• Conserved components suggest similar functions in other organisms.
• Potential target for anti-mitotic therapies.
What Happens During MWP complex?
Microtubule minus-end anchoring
In simple terms: The MWP complex ties the minus ends of microtubules to the spindle pole body.
The MWP complex anchors microtubule minus ends to mitotic spindle pole bodies, a process essential for spindle assembly. This anchoring ensures that microtubules are properly oriented and stabilized during mitosis.
Spindle pole body recruitment
In simple terms: The complex brings microtubules to the spindle pole body.
The MWP complex localizes to spindle pole bodies and recruits microtubule minus ends to these sites. This recruitment is mediated by the Msd1 subunit, which acts as a microtubule anchoring protein.
Role of Wdr8 family protein
In simple terms: A WD-repeat protein helps the complex function.
The WD-repeat Wdr8 family protein is a core component of the MWP complex and is required for its function in anchoring microtubules. It likely facilitates protein-protein interactions within the complex.
Minus end-directed kinesin activity
In simple terms: A kinesin motor helps organize microtubules.
A minus end-directed kinesin is part of the MWP complex and contributes to microtubule organization at spindle poles. Its motor activity may help position microtubule minus ends.
Key Genes Involved in GO:1990811 MWP complex
The following genes and proteins are key components or regulators of the MWP complex, based on the founding complex in fission yeast.
| Gene | Major Role | Research Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Msd1 | Microtubule anchoring protein | Core component of MWP complex |
| Wdr8 | WD-repeat protein | Core component of MWP complex |
| Pkl1 | Minus end-directed kinesin | Core component of MWP complex |
| Spc7 | Spindle pole body component | Potential interactor |
| Cdc31 | Centrin, spindle pole body duplication | Related to spindle function |
| Sad1 | Spindle pole body component | Related to spindle function |
| Alp4 | Spindle pole body component | Related to spindle function |
| Cut7 | Kinesin-5, spindle assembly | Related to spindle function |
| Klp2 | Kinesin-14, minus end-directed | Related to spindle function |
| Tub1 | Alpha-tubulin | Microtubule subunit |
| Tub2 | Beta-tubulin | Microtubule subunit |
| Mto1 | Microtubule organizer | Related to microtubule anchoring |
| Mto2 | Microtubule organizer | Related to microtubule anchoring |
| Pcp1 | Spindle pole body component | Related to spindle function |
| Csi1 | Spindle pole body component | Related to spindle function |
| Nuf2 | Kinetochore protein | Related to chromosome segregation |
| Dad1 | Kinetochore protein | Related to chromosome segregation |
How Is MWP complex Regulated?
The MWP complex is regulated by cell cycle-dependent localization and phosphorylation events that control its assembly at spindle pole bodies. Its activity is coordinated with other spindle pole body components to ensure proper microtubule anchoring during mitosis.
MWP complex and Human Disease
| Gene | Disease / Biology | Potential Experimental Model |
|---|---|---|
| Msd1 | Cancer, genomic instability | Knockout in fission yeast |
| Wdr8 | Developmental disorders | Point mutation in human cells |
| Pkl1 | Cancer, mitotic defects | Overexpression in cell lines |
| Msd1 | Neurodegeneration | Knock-in in mouse models |
| Wdr8 | Aneuploidy | CRISPR knockout in organoids |
Cancer and genomic instability
Defects in MWP complex components can lead to spindle assembly errors, aneuploidy, and genomic instability, which are hallmarks of cancer. Targeting the MWP complex may offer a strategy to disrupt mitosis in cancer cells.
Developmental disorders
Proper spindle function is essential for development; mutations in MWP complex genes could contribute to developmental disorders characterized by cell division defects.
Neurodegeneration
Microtubule dysfunction is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases; the MWP complex provides a model to study microtubule anchoring in neurons.
From MWP complex-Related Genes to Experimental Models
| Research Question | Suitable Model |
|---|---|
| What is the role of Msd1 in microtubule anchoring? | Msd1 knockout fission yeast |
| How does Wdr8 contribute to spindle function? | Wdr8 point mutation in human cells |
| What is the effect of Pkl1 overexpression? | Pkl1 overexpression in cell lines |
| How is MWP complex assembled? | Tagged knock-in of Msd1 in fission yeast |
| Does MWP complex dysfunction cause aneuploidy? | CRISPR knockout in mammalian cells |
| Can MWP complex be targeted in cancer? | Xenograft models with MWP complex mutations |
How to Study the MWP complex Process
| Method | What It Measures | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Fluorescence microscopy | Protein localization | Visualize MWP complex at spindle poles |
| Co-immunoprecipitation | Protein interactions | Identify MWP complex subunits |
| Mass spectrometry | Protein composition | Determine MWP complex components |
| Live-cell imaging | Dynamic localization | Track MWP complex during mitosis |
| CRISPR knockout | Gene function | Assess loss-of-function phenotypes |
| RNA-seq | Transcriptional changes | Analyze gene expression after MWP complex disruption |
| Proteomics | Protein abundance | Quantify MWP complex proteins |
| Yeast two-hybrid | Binary interactions | Map MWP complex interactome |
Fluorescence microscopy
Fluorescence microscopy is used to visualize the localization of MWP complex components at spindle pole bodies and microtubule minus ends.
Co-immunoprecipitation
Co-immunoprecipitation can identify protein-protein interactions within the MWP complex and with other spindle components.
Mass spectrometry
Mass spectrometry-based proteomics can determine the composition and post-translational modifications of the MWP complex.
Live-cell imaging
Live-cell imaging of fluorescently tagged MWP complex subunits reveals dynamic behavior during mitosis.
How CRISPR Can Be Used to Study GO:1990811 MWP complex
Knockout
CRISPR knockout of MWP complex genes such as Msd1, Wdr8, or Pkl1 can reveal their essential roles in microtubule anchoring and spindle assembly.
Point Mutation
Point mutations introduced by CRISPR can mimic disease-associated variants or disrupt specific protein domains within MWP complex components.
Knock-in
Knock-in of fluorescent or affinity tags allows visualization and purification of MWP complex subunits for interaction studies.
Overexpression
Overexpression of MWP complex components can test for dominant-negative effects or gain-of-function phenotypes in spindle organization.
How EDITGENE Supports MWP complex Research
Researchers studying MWP complex-related genes often need to determine whether a candidate gene is causally involved in microtubule anchoring and spindle function. EDITGENE provides comprehensive CRISPR services to accelerate this research.
Contact EDITGENE today to design your custom CRISPR model for MWP complex research.
Frequently Asked Questions About MWP complex
What is the MWP complex?
The MWP complex is a protein ternary complex that anchors microtubule minus ends to mitotic spindle pole bodies, containing Msd1, a Wdr8 family protein, and a minus end-directed kinesin.
What genes are involved in the MWP complex?
The founding genes are Msd1, Wdr8, and Pkl1 in fission yeast.
What is the function of GO:1990811?
GO:1990811 is a cellular component that anchors microtubule minus ends to spindle pole bodies during mitosis.
Where is the MWP complex located?
It localizes to mitotic spindle pole bodies.
What is another name for the MWP complex?
It is also known as the Msd1-Wdr8-Pkl1 complex.
How is the MWP complex studied?
Researchers use fluorescence microscopy, co-immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, and CRISPR knockout models.
What diseases are linked to MWP complex dysfunction?
Defects can lead to genomic instability and cancer, and may contribute to developmental disorders.
Can CRISPR be used to study the MWP complex?
Yes, CRISPR knockout, point mutation, knock-in, and overexpression models are valuable for dissecting MWP complex function.
What is the role of Msd1 in the MWP complex?
Msd1 is a microtubule anchoring protein that recruits microtubule minus ends to spindle pole bodies.
What is the role of Wdr8 in the MWP complex?
Wdr8 is a WD-repeat protein that is a core component of the complex and likely facilitates protein interactions.
Conclusion
The MWP complex (GO:1990811) is a key cellular component that anchors microtubule minus ends to mitotic spindle pole bodies, ensuring proper spindle assembly and chromosome segregation. Its founding components, Msd1, Wdr8, and Pkl1, provide a model for studying microtubule anchoring mechanisms. Dysregulation of the MWP complex can lead to genomic instability, highlighting its relevance to cancer and developmental disorders. Continued research using CRISPR and other advanced methods will further elucidate its molecular functions and therapeutic potential.
References
- 1. Fuggle N et al.. 2025. Treatment of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis in the Oldest Old.. Drugs 85(3):343-360 PMID: 39969778
