Katanin p80 WD40 repeat-containing subunit B1 (KATNB1)

Participates in a complex which severs microtubules within an ATP-dependent manner. May act to target the enzymatic subunit of this complex to sites of activity like the centrosome.

Microtubule severing may encourage rapid reorganization of cellular microtubule arrays and the release of microtubules from the centrosome after nucleation. Microtubule release from the mitotic spindle poles may allow depolymerization of the microtubule end proximal to the spindle pole, resulting in poleward microtubule flux and poleward motion of chromosome.