Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.11.21.392803v1?rss=1 Authors: Brilot, A. F., Lyon, A., Zelter, A., Viswanath, S., Maxwell, A., MacCoss, M. J., Muller, E. G., Sali, A., Davis, T. N., Agard, D. A. Abstract: Microtubule (MT) nucleation is regulated by the {gamma}-tubulin ring complex ({gamma}TuRC), conserved from yeast to humans. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, {gamma}TuRC is composed of seven identical {gamma}-tubulin small complex ({gamma}TuSC) sub-assemblies which associate helically to template microtubule growth. {gamma}TuRC assembly provides a key point of regulation for the MT cytoskeleton. Here we combine cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS), X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM structures of monomeric and dimeric {gamma}TuSC and open and closed helical {gamma}TuRC assemblies in complex with Spc110p to elucidate the mechanisms of {gamma}TuRC assembly. {gamma}TuRC assembly is substantially aided by the evolutionarily conserved CM1 motif in Spc110p spanning a pair of adjacent {gamma}TuSCs. By providing the highest resolution and most complete views of any {gamma}TuSC assembly, our structures allow phosphorylation sites to be mapped, suggesting their role in regulating spindle pole body attachment and ring assembly. We further identify a structurally analogous CM1 binding site in the human {gamma}TuRC structure at the interface between GCP2 and GCP6, which allows for the interpretation of significant structural changes arising from CM1 helix binding to metazoan {gamma}TuRC. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info