ASPM : assembly factor for spindle microtubules
Description
The ASPM (assembly factor for spindle microtubules) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
The ASPM gene provides instructions for making a protein that is involved in cell division. This protein is found in cells and tissues throughout the body, but it appears to be particularly important for the division of cells in the developing brain. Studies suggest that the ASPM protein helps maintain the orderly division of early brain cells called neural progenitor cells, which ultimately give rise to mature nerve cells (neurons). By promoting the division of neural progenitor cells during early brain development, the ASPM protein helps determine the total number of neurons and the overall size of the brain.
ASPM is involved in regulating the process of cell division, particularly during the development of the brain. It plays a role in coordinating mitotic processes and regulating microtubule dynamics at the spindle poles, which includes spindle orientation, astral microtubule density, and poleward microtubule flux. This function appears to be reliant on the katanin complex formed by KATNA1 and KATNB1. ASPM enhances the microtubule severing activity of KATNA1 by recruiting the katanin complex to microtubules and can block microtubule minus-end growth. This activity is amplified by the katanin complex. It is believed that ASPM may have a specific role in regulating neurogenesis.
ASPM is also known as ASP, Calmbp1, MCPH5.
Associated Diseases
- Microcephaly 5, primary, autosomal recessive
- Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly
- Age-related macular degeneration
