Mitotic-spindle organizing protein 1 (MZT1)

Mitotic-spindle organizing protein 1 (MZT1) is a small, conserved protein that acts as a critical regulatory subunit of the γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC). It localizes to the centrosome and spindle pole bodies throughout the cell cycle, and its core function is to recruit and assemble the γ-TuRC at microtubule organizing centers, ensuring stable spindle microtubule nucleation and accurate chromosome segregation. MZT1 is essential for cell viability, and genetic inactivation results in severe spindle formation defects, mitotic arrest, and chromosome missegregation. While not a direct drug target, its central role in mitosis makes it significant in cancer biology and potentially useful for future therapeutic strategies or diagnostics.

Other names

MOZART1C13orf37Mitotic-spindle organizing protein associated with a ring of gamma-tubulin 1LOC440145FLJ21869MGC150539RP11-11C5.2

Not applicable; no drugs are reported to specifically act through direct interaction or modulation of MZT1. Mechanistically, interference with MZT1 function would impair γ-TuRC recruitment, spindle formation, and cell division.