Abnormal spindle-like microcephaly-associated protein (ASPM)

Abnormal spindle-like microcephaly-associated protein (ASPM) is a large, conserved protein required for proper mitotic spindle function during cell division, particularly in neural progenitor cells[1][2][5]. It localizes to spindle poles and the midbody, with a key role in regulating spindle orientation, astral microtubule density, and ensuring balanced symmetric cell divisions[3][5]. In humans, loss-of-function mutations in the ASPM gene are the most common cause of autosomal recessive primary microcephaly, a disorder marked by reduced brain size with relatively intact architecture due to defective neurogenesis and proliferation[1][2][3]. ASPM’s function is also implicated in the proliferation of various tumors; high expression correlates with increased tumor growth and worse clinical outcomes in several CNS cancers[2][4]. While not a classical drug target (such as a kinase or receptor), ASPM's roles in cancer biology and developmental disease make it a putative target of therapeutic and research interest.

Other names

abnormal spindle protein homologAsp homologMCPH5Calmbp1ASPFLJ10517FLJ10549abnormal spindle-like microcephaly-associated proteinabnormal spindle microtubule assemblyasp (abnormal spindle) homologmicrocephaly associated