Spindle assembly abnormal protein 6 homolog (SASS6)

Spindle assembly abnormal protein 6 homolog (SASS6) is a highly conserved centriolar assembly protein that acts as the major structural component of the "cartwheel," a central scaffold required for the nine-fold symmetry of centrioles during their biogenesis. SASS6 contains a conserved N-terminal head domain, a central coiled-coil domain for dimerization, and a C-terminal region. Its assembly is essential for proper cell cycle progression and is required for centrosome function, cilia, and flagella formation. Loss or mutation of SASS6 results in abnormal centriole numbers and structure, with subsequent cell division errors, cell cycle arrest, or developmental defects such as microcephaly. High expression or aberrant function of the protein is linked to certain cancers and developmental syndromes. SASS6 does not fit into classic categories like receptor, enzyme, or transporter; it is an internal scaffold protein needed for the integrity of cell division machinery. No drugs directly target SASS6, but it remains a protein of interest for cancer and cytoskeletal research.

Other names

SASS6SAS-6SAS6HsSAS-6DKFZp761A078FLJ22097Spindle assembly defective protein 6MCPH14

Experimental studies suggest that inhibition or genetic knockdown leads to centriole duplication defects and cell cycle arrest.