Accessory protein regulation of microtubule dynamics throughout the cell cycle

A number of accessory proteins capable of stabilizing or destabilizing micr otubule polymers in dividing cells have been identified recently. Many of t hese accessory proteins are modified and regulated by cell-cycle-dependent phosphorylation. Through this regulation, microtubule dynamics are modified to generate rapid microtubule turnover during mitosis. In general, althoug h some microtubule-stabilizing proteins are inactivated at entry into mitos is, a critical balance between microtubule stabilizers and destabilizers is necessary for assembly of the mitotic spindle.