Engelsk definition
An AAA ATPase that binds and severs MICROTUBULES. It specifically recognizes and cuts polyglutamylated microtubules with short polyglutamate tails to promote reorganization of cellular microtubule arrays and the release of microtubules from the CENTROSOME following nucleation. It is critical for the biogenesis and maintenance of complex microtubule arrays in AXONS; SPINDLE APPARATUS; and CILIA. Mutations in the spastin gene (SPAST) are associated with type 4 of HEREDITARY SPASTIC PARAPLEGIA.