Kinesin-5 Regulation and Function in Mitosis

Chromosome segregation during cell division requires a bipolar mitotic spindle. Therefore, how the spindle is formed, maintained, and functions is of fundamental importance for all eukaryotic cells. Members of the evolutionarily conserved kinesin-5 family of motor proteins have been shown to play an essential role in spindle formation by generating forces that establish and maintain spindle bipolarity and contribute to spindle elongation. Recent work demonstrates that accessory proteins and post-translational modifications regulate the localization and activity of kinesin-5 motors in cells. In addition, some kinesin-5 motors can move toward the microtubule plus-or-minus end. This new information provides insight into how these motors function during mitosis.