Chromosome bi-orientation on the mitotic spindle

Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2005 Mar 29;360(1455):581-9. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2004.1612.

Abstract

For proper chromosome segregation, sister kinetochores must attach to microtubules extending from opposite spindle poles prior to anaphase onset. This state is called sister kinetochore bi-orientation or chromosome bi-orientation. The mechanism ensuring chromosome bi-orientation lies at the heart of chromosome segregation, but is still poorly understood. Recent evidence suggests that mal-oriented kinetochore-to-pole connections are corrected in a tension-dependent mechanism. The cohesin complex and the Ipl1/Aurora B protein kinase seem to be key regulators for this correction. In this article, I discuss how cells ensure sister kinetochore bi-orientation for all chromosomes, mainly focusing on our recent findings in budding yeast.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aurora Kinases
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • Chromosome Segregation / physiology*
  • Chromosomes, Fungal / metabolism*
  • Cohesins
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Kinetochores / metabolism*
  • Microtubules / metabolism
  • Models, Biological*
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • Saccharomycetales
  • Spindle Apparatus / metabolism
  • Spindle Apparatus / physiology*

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases