This family represents a conserved region approximately 60 residues long within the eukaryotic targeting protein for Xklp2 (TPX2). Xklp2 is a kinesin-like protein localised on centrosomes throughout the cell cycle and on spindle pole microtubules during metaphase. In Xenopus, it has been shown that Xklp2 protein is required for centrosome separation and maintenance of spindle bi-polarity [1]. TPX2 is a microtubule-associated protein that mediates the binding of the C-terminal domain of Xklp2 to microtubules. It is phosphorylated during mitosis in a microtubule-dependent way [2]. The TPX domain appears to be truncated in fungal species.

1: Xklp2, a novel Xenopus centrosomal kinesin-like protein required for centrosome separation during mitosis. Boleti H, Karsenti E, Vernos I; Cell 1996;84:49-59. PMID:8548825

2: TPX2, A novel xenopus MAP involved in spindle pole organization. Wittmann T, Wilm M, Karsenti E, Vernos I; J Cell Biol 2000;149:1405-1418. PMID:10871281

3: Evolution of a domain conserved in microtubule-associated proteins of eukaryotes. Rajangam AS, Yang H, Teeri TT, Arvestad L; Adv Appl Bioinform Chem. 2008;1:51-69. PMID:21918606