HMMR acts in the PLK1-dependent spindle positioning pathway and supports neural development

As an embryo develops, its cells divide, grow and change into many different types of cells that eventually build our body. When cells divide, they first need to duplicate their genetic material. A structure called the spindle then distributes the two copies of the genetic information between the new cells. Cells must position their spindle precisely, and the way the spindle is oriented helps to determine what type of cell will develop. If the spindle fails to align properly, it can disrupt the development of specific tissues and organs and even lead to diseases such as cancer. Numerous proteins help to position the spindle. For example, a protein called Ran-GTP ensures that motor proteins are anchored on opposite sides of the dividing cell, which tug on the spindle and position it between them. If the spindle gets pulled too closely to one side, a protein called PLK1 changes parts of the motor proteins to reduce the pulling force and to reposition the spindle towards the center. Previous research has shown that non-motor proteins, such as a protein called HMMR are also part of the motor-protein complex. However, until now it was not known how HMMR was involved in repositioning the spindle during this process. Now, Connell et al. have used mice that lacked HMMR to find out if it helps the cells in the brain to develop. The results show that without HMMR, very few mice were able to survive and many suffered from deformed and underdeveloped brains. In these mice, the orientation of the spindle changed and fewer cells of the correct type could be formed. Connell et al. then analyzed different types of cells grown in the laboratory to better understand how HMMR controls the position of the spindle. In all cases, HMMR formed a complex with Ran-GTP and was needed for the cells to orient their spindle correctly. When HMMR was absent, PLK1 could not work properly, and the spindle was positioned incorrectly. This suggests that HMMR is essential for the spindle to align properly and is needed to help brain cells develop and become specialized. The next step will be to understand how HMMR, Ran and PLK1 work together during cell division. Studying mice that survive without HMMR offer an opportunity to examine how poorly aligned spindles affect their development.