NuMA mechanically reinforces the spindle independently of its partner dynein

Abstract

Both motor and non-motor proteins organize microtubules to build the spindle and maintain it against opposing forces. NuMA, a long microtubule binding protein, is essential to spindle structure and function. NuMA recruits the motor dynein to spindle microtubule minus-ends to actively cluster them, but whether NuMA performs other spindle roles remains unknown. Here, we show that NuMA acts independently of dynein to passively reinforce the mammalian spindle. NuMA that cannot bind dynein is sufficient to protect spindle poles against fracture under external force. In contrast, NuMA with a shorter coiled-coil or disrupted self-interactions cannot protect spindle poles, and NuMA turnover differences cannot explain mechanical differences. In vitro, NuMAs C-terminus self-interacts and bundles microtubules without dynein, dependent on residues essential to pole protection in vivo. Together, this suggests that NuMA reinforces spindle poles by crosslinking microtubules, using its long coiled-coiled and self-interactions to reach multiple, far-reaching pole microtubules. We propose that NuMA acts as a mechanical "multitasker" targeting contractile motor activity and separately crosslinking microtubules, both functions synergizing to drive spindle mechanical robustness.