Cohesin was identified through its major role in holding sister chromatids together. We are learning through analysis of cohesin and other members of the protein family (SMC [structural maintenance of chromosomes]) and their regulators that these ring complexes contribute to chromosome organization and dynamics throughout the cell cycle. We need to consider not only how ring complexes are regulated but how they interact with their fluctuating chromatin substrate.
Keywords: ESCO1/2; centromere; chromatin territories; chromosome segregation; cohesin acetyltransferases; sister chromatid cohesion.
© 2017 Bloom; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.