Cytoplasmic dynein is a multi-subunit motor complex that regulates microtubule organization as well as the transport and positioning of organelles. Dynactin is a multi-subunit dynein-activating complex, which regulates the interaction of the dynein motor with various cellular cargoes, and enhances dyneins processivity. p150Glued/DCTN1/Dynactin 1 is the largest subunit of the dynactin complex. In mitosis, cytoplasmic dynein regulates spindle organization, chromosome movement and centrosome separation. The dynactin subunit p150Glued is phosphorylated at serine 19 by the mitotic kinase aurora A during anaphase, and this phosphorylation is required for the appropriate regulation of spindle assembly. In neurons, axonal transport is important for cellular function and survival. Dysfunction and mutations in dynein and dynactin subunits, including p150Glued, have been linked to human neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers Disease, Perry Syndrome and ALS.
