TACC3 regulates spindle organization during mitosis and also regulates centrosome-mediated microtubule nucleation by affecting γ-Tubulin ring complexes. In addition, it interacts with different proteins (such as ch-TOG, clathrin and Aurora-A) to function in mitotic spindle assembly and stability. By forming the TACC3/ch-TOG complex, TACC3 acts as a plus end-tracking protein to promote microtubule elongation. The TACC3/ch-TOG/clathrin complex is formed to stabilize kinetochore fibers by crosslinking adjacent microtubules. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of TACC3 by Aurora-A is important for the formation of TACC3/ch-TOG/clathrin and its recruitment to kinetochore fibers. Recently, the aberrant expression of TACC3 in a variety of human cancers has been linked with mitotic defects. Thus, in this review, we will discuss our current understanding of the biological roles of TACC3 in mitotic spindle organization.
Keywords: TACC3; cancer; centrosome; microtubule; spindle.
© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.