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 (By similarity). Required for development of axonal processes and for axonal branching.
Specificity
Natural and recombinant Mouse 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 (By similarity). Evenly distributed along early axons and concentrates in the growth cone of the axons of late stage 3 neurons.
Homohexamer. The homohexamer is stabilized by ATP-binding. The homohexamer may adopt a ring conformation through which microtubules pass prior to being severed. Binds to microtubules at least in part via the alpha-tubulin and beta-tubulin tails. Interacts (via MIT domain) with CHMP1B; the interaction is direct. Interacts with ATL1, RTN1, SSNA1 and ZFYVE27.