Cdk1-Clb4 controls the interaction of astral microtubule plus ends with subdomains of the daughter cell cortex

As in many polarized cells, spindle alignment in yeast is essential and cell cycle regulated. A key step that governs spindle alignment is the selective binding of the Kar9 protein to only one of the two spindle pole bodies (SPBs). It has been suggested that cyclin-dependent kinase Cdc28, in complex with cyclin Clb4, associates only with the SPB in the mother cell and so prevents Kar9 binding to this SPB. However, here we show that the nonoverexpressed Clb4 associates with the budward-directed SPB through Kar9. Cdc28-Clb4 then uses Kar9 as a carrier to move from this SPB to the plus ends of astral microtubules, where Cdc28-Clb4 regulates the interactions between microtubule ends and subdomains of the bud cortex. In the absence of Cdc28-Clb4 activity (G1/S phase), astral microtubules interact with the bud tip in a manner dependent on actin, Myo2, and Kar9. Coincidentally with reaching the bud cortex in S phase, Cdc28-Clb4 facilitates the dissociation of the microtubule bud tip interaction and their capture by the bud neck. This transition prevents the preanaphase spindle from becoming prematurely pulled into the bud. Thus, Cdc28-Clb4 facilitates spindle alignment by regulating the interaction of astral microtubules with subdomains of the bud cortex.