Plus end-directed microtubule-dependent motor required for normal brain development. May regulate microtubule dynamics during axonal growth. Required for normal progression through mitosis. Required for normal congress of chromosomes at the metaphase plate. Required for normal spindle dynamics during mitosis. Promotes spindle turnover. Implicated in formation of bipolar mitotic spindles. Has microtubule depolymerization activity.
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasm, Cytoplasm, Cytoskeleton, Microtubule organizing center, Centrosome, Cytoplasm, Cytoskeleton, Spindle pole, Cytoplasm, Cytoskeleton, Spindle
Localized to the spindle microtubules and spindle poles from prophase to metaphase. Efficient targeting to spindle microtubules and spindle poles requires the kinase activity of PLK1. Recruited to mitotic spindles by interaction with PSRC1.