Dynactin 1 (DCTN1) Antibody – Mouse Monoclonal

This gene encodes the largest subunit of dynactin, a macromolecular complex consisting of 10 subunits ranging in size from 22 to 150 kD. Dynactin binds to both microtubules and cytoplasmic dynein. Dynactin is involved in a diverse array of cellular functions, including ER-to-Golgi transport, the centripetal movement of lysosomes and endosomes, spindle formation, chromosome movement, nuclear positioning, and axonogenesis. This subunit interacts with dynein intermediate chain by its domains directly binding to dynein and binds to microtubules via a highly conserved glycine-rich cytoskeleton-associated protein (CAP-Gly) domain in its N-terminus. Alternative splicing of this gene results in multiple transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms. Mutations in this gene cause distal hereditary motor neuronopathy type VIIB (HMN7B) which is also known as distal spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (dSBMA). [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2008]

Plays a key role in dynein-mediated retrograde transport of vesicles and organelles along microtubules by recruiting and tethering dynein to microtubules. Binds to both dynein and microtubules providing a link between specific cargos, microtubules and dynein. Essential for targeting dynein to microtubule plus ends, recruiting dynein to membranous cargos and enhancing dynein processivity (the ability to move along a microtubule for a long distance without falling off the track). Can also act as a brake to slow the dynein motor during motility along the microtubule (PubMed:25185702). Can regulate microtubule stability by promoting microtubule formation, nucleation and polymerization and by inhibiting microtubule catastrophe in neurons. Inhibits microtubule catastrophe by binding both to microtubules and to tubulin, leading to enhanced microtubule stability along the axon (PubMed:23874158). Plays a role in metaphase spindle orientation (PubMed:22327364). Plays a role in centriole cohesion and subdistal appendage organization and function. Its recruitement to the centriole in a KIF3A-dependent manner is essential for the maintenance of centriole cohesion and the formation of subdistal appendage. Also required for microtubule anchoring at the mother centriole (PubMed:23386061). Plays a role in primary cilia formation (PubMed:25774020).