Structural insights into how augmin augments the mitotic spindle

Abstract

Cell division critically requires amplification of microtubules (MTs) in the bipolar mitotic spindle. This relies on the filamentous augmin complex that enables MT branching. Studies by Gabel et al., Zupa et al. and Travis et al. describe consistent integrated atomic models of the extraordinarily flexible augmin complex. Their work prompts the question: what is this flexibility really needed for?