Spindle formation in mammalian cells requires precise spatial and temporal regulation of the kinesin-5 motor proteins which generate outward force to establish spindle bipolarity. A growing body of work suggests that phosphorylation of kinesin-5 motor domains is an important regulator of their motor characteristics and function in cells. My thesis...
Desmosomes are adhesive complexes found at sites of intercellular contact that are essential for mediating cell-cell adhesion. These junctions undergo regulated assembly and reorganization during processes such as embryogenesis and wound healing. Plakophilins (PKPs) are armadillo family members related to the classic cadherin-associated protein p120ctn. PKPs localize to the cytoplasmic...