InterPro domain: IPR040457

This is the C-terminal domain found in components of the gamma-tubulin complex proteins (GCPs). Family members include spindle pole body (SBP) components such as Spc97 and Spc98 which function as the microtubule-organizing centre in yeast [ 1 ]. Furthermore, family members such as human GCP4 (gamma-tubulin complex component 4) have been structurally elucidated ( Q9UGJ1 ). Structure-based sequence analysis revealed the existence of an exposed surface area conserved in all human GCPs and in GCP4 orthologues. This area is located in the C-terminal domain of GCP4, which was confirmed in vitro to bind directly to gamma-tubulin. Sequence alignment of human GCPs based on the GCP4 structure helped delineate conserved regions in the N- and C-terminal domains [ 2 ].

1. Characterization and reconstitution of Drosophila gamma-tubulin ring complex subunits. J. Cell Biol. 151, 1513-24
2. Crystal structure of γ-tubulin complex protein GCP4 provides insight into microtubule nucleation. Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol. 18, 915-9