DISC1 localizes to the centrosome by binding to kendrin

Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) was identified as a novel gene disrupted by a (1;11)(q42.1;q14.3) translocation that segregated with major mental disorders in a Scottish family. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we screened a human brain cDNA library for interactors of the DISC1 protein. One of the positive clones encoded kendrin/pericentrin-B, a giant protein known to localize specifically to the centrosome. The interaction between DISC1 and kendrin in mammalian cells was demonstrated by an immunoprecipitation assay. Residues 446-533 of DISC1 were essential for the interaction with kendrin. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed the colocalization of DISC1 and kendrin to the centrosome. These data indicate that DISC1 localizes to the centrosome by binding to kendrin. Kendrin has been reported to anchor the gamma-tubulin complex to the centrosome, providing microtubule nucleation sites. The present study suggests the possible involvement of DISC1 in the pathophysiology of mental disorders due to its putative effect on centrosomal function.