TPX2 (targeting protein for Xklp2) is a microtubule-associated protein involved in targeting the motor protein Xklp2 to microtubules. Ran-GTP activates TPX2 for the chromatin-induced microbutule assembly during M phase. Aurora-A kinase associates with TPX2 at the spindle apparatus and may regulate TPX2 via phosphorylation during the spindle assembly. TPX2 appears to play a structural role in spindle formation. TPX2 activates Eg2 in a microtubule-dependent manner by stimulating the phosphorylation and kinase activity of Eg2. TPX2 is inactivated by binding to importin a, a nuclear import factor. Finally, the suppression of TPX2 with RNA interference causes defects in microtubule organization during mitosis.
