scholarly journals Kif18A promotes Hec1 dephosphorylation to coordinate chromosome alignment with kinetochore microtubule attachment

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haein Kim ◽  
Jason Stumpff
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Spindle Assembly Checkpoint ◽  
Primordial Germ Cells ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Mitotic Arrest ◽  
Microtubule Dynamics ◽  
Mitotic Chromosomes ◽  
Microtubule Attachment ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Chromosome Alignment

SUMMARYMitotic chromosomes are spatially confined at the spindle equator just prior to chromosome segregation through a process called chromosome alignment. Alignment requires temporal coordination of kinetochore microtubule attachment and dynamics. However, the molecular mechanisms that couple these activities are not understood. Kif18A (kinesin-8) suppresses the dynamics of kinetochore microtubules to promote chromosome alignment during metaphase. Loss of Kif18A function in HeLa and primordial germ cells leads to alignment defects accompanied by a spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC)-dependent mitotic arrest, suggesting the motor also plays a role in regulating kinetochore-microtubule attachments. We show here that Kif18A increases attachment by promoting dephosphorylation of the kinetochore protein Hec1, which provides the primary linkage between kinetochores and microtubules. This function requires a direct interaction between the Kif18A C-terminus and protein phosphatase-1 (PP1). However, the Kif18A-PP1 interaction is not required for chromosome alignment, indicating that regulation of kinetochore microtubule dynamics and attachments are separable Kif18A functions. Mitotic arrest in Kif18A-depleted cells is rescued by expression of a Hec1 variant that mimics a low-phosphorylation state, indicating that Kif18A-dependent Hec1 dephosphorylation is a key step for silencing the checkpoint and promoting mitotic progression. Our data support a model in which Kif18A provides positive feedback for kinetochore microtubule attachment by directly recruiting PP1 to dephosphorylate Hec1. We propose that this function works synergistically with Kif18A’s direct control of kinetochore microtubule dynamics to temporally coordinate chromosome alignment and attachment.

scholarly journals The association of Plk1 with the astrin–kinastrin complex promotes formation and maintenance of a metaphase plate

2020 ◽  
Vol 134 (1) ◽  
pp. jcs251025
Author(s):  
Zoë Geraghty ◽  
Christina Barnard ◽  
Pelin Uluocak ◽  
Ulrike Gruneberg
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Metaphase Plate ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Mitotic Chromosomes ◽  
Spindle Formation ◽  
Bipolar Spindle ◽  
Mitotic Kinase ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Chromosome Congression ◽  
Chromosome Alignment

ABSTRACTErrors in mitotic chromosome segregation can lead to DNA damage and aneuploidy, both hallmarks of cancer. To achieve synchronous error-free segregation, mitotic chromosomes must align at the metaphase plate with stable amphitelic attachments to microtubules emanating from opposing spindle poles. The astrin–kinastrin (astrin is also known as SPAG5 and kinastrin as SKAP) complex, also containing DYNLL1 and MYCBP, is a spindle and kinetochore protein complex with important roles in bipolar spindle formation, chromosome alignment and microtubule–kinetochore attachment. However, the molecular mechanisms by which astrin–kinastrin fulfils these diverse roles are not fully understood. Here, we characterise a direct interaction between astrin and the mitotic kinase Plk1. We identify the Plk1-binding site on astrin as well as four Plk1 phosphorylation sites on astrin. Regulation of astrin by Plk1 is dispensable for bipolar spindle formation and bulk chromosome congression, but promotes stable microtubule–kinetochore attachments and metaphase plate maintenance. It is known that Plk1 activity is required for effective microtubule–kinetochore attachment formation, and we suggest that astrin phosphorylation by Plk1 contributes to this process.

scholarly journals The association of Plk1 with the Astrin-Kinastrin complex promotes formation and maintenance of a metaphase plate

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoë Geraghty ◽  
Christina Barnard ◽  
Pelin Uluocak ◽  
Ulrike Gruneberg
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Metaphase Plate ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Mitotic Chromosomes ◽  
Spindle Formation ◽  
Bipolar Spindle ◽  
Mitotic Kinase ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Chromosome Congression ◽  
Chromosome Alignment

AbstractErrors in mitotic chromosome segregation can lead to DNA damage and aneuploidy, both hallmarks of cancer. To achieve synchronous error-free segregation, mitotic chromosomes must align at the metaphase plate with stable amphitelic attachments to microtubules emanating from opposing spindle poles. The Astrin-Kinastrin/SKAP complex, also containing DYNLL1 and MYCBP, is a spindle and kinetochore protein complex with important roles in bipolar spindle formation, chromosome alignment and microtubule-kinetochore attachment. However, the molecular mechanisms by which Astrin-Kinastrin fulfils these diverse roles are not fully understood. Here we characterise a direct interaction between Astrin and the mitotic kinase Plk1. We identify the Plk1-binding site on Astrin as well as four Plk1 phosphorylation sites on Astrin. Regulation of Astrin-Kinastrin by Plk1 is dispensable for bipolar spindle formation and bulk chromosome congression but promotes stable microtubule-kinetochore attachments and metaphase plate maintenance. It is known that Plk1 activity is required for effective microtubule-kinetochore attachment formation, and we suggest that Astrin phosphorylation by Plk1 contributes to this process.SummaryWe demonstrate that Plk1 binds to and phosphorylates the N-terminus of Astrin. This interaction promotes recruitment of the Astrin-complex to kinetochores and stabilises microtubule-kinetochore-attachments in situations when mitosis is delayed.

scholarly journals Cbx2 stably associates with mitotic chromosomes via a PRC2- or PRC1-independent mechanism and is needed for recruiting PRC1 complex to mitotic chromosomes

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (23) ◽  
pp. 3726-3739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Yu Zhen ◽  
Huy Nguyen Duc ◽  
Marko Kokotovic ◽  
Christopher J. Phiel ◽  
Xiaojun Ren
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Es Cells ◽  
Epigenetic Inheritance ◽  
Polycomb Group ◽  
Mitotic Chromosomes ◽  
Mouse Es Cells ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Independent Mechanism ◽  
Cellular Identity ◽  
Quantitative Fluorescence

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are epigenetic transcriptional factors that repress key developmental regulators and maintain cellular identity through mitosis via a poorly understood mechanism. Using quantitative live-cell imaging in mouse ES cells and tumor cells, we demonstrate that, although Polycomb repressive complex (PRC) 1 proteins (Cbx-family proteins, Ring1b, Mel18, and Phc1) exhibit variable capacities of association with mitotic chromosomes, Cbx2 overwhelmingly binds to mitotic chromosomes. The recruitment of Cbx2 to mitotic chromosomes is independent of PRC1 or PRC2, and Cbx2 is needed to recruit PRC1 complex to mitotic chromosomes. Quantitative fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis indicates that PRC1 proteins rapidly exchange at interphasic chromatin. On entry into mitosis, Cbx2, Ring1b, Mel18, and Phc1 proteins become immobilized at mitotic chromosomes, whereas other Cbx-family proteins dynamically bind to mitotic chromosomes. Depletion of PRC1 or PRC2 protein has no effect on the immobilization of Cbx2 on mitotic chromosomes. We find that the N-terminus of Cbx2 is needed for its recruitment to mitotic chromosomes, whereas the C-terminus is required for its immobilization. Thus these results provide fundamental insights into the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance.

scholarly journals Aurora A kinase phosphorylates Hec1 to regulate metaphase kinetochore–microtubule dynamics

2017 ◽  
Vol 217 (1) ◽  
pp. 163-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith F. DeLuca ◽  
Amanda Meppelink ◽  
Amanda J. Broad ◽  
Jeanne E. Mick ◽  
Olve B. Peersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Microtubule Dynamics ◽  
Aurora B ◽  
Aurora A Kinase ◽  
Aurora A ◽  
Tail Domain ◽  
Mitotic Chromosomes ◽  
Metaphase Chromosomes ◽  
Mitotic Kinases ◽  
Microtubule Attachment

Precise regulation of kinetochore–microtubule attachments is essential for successful chromosome segregation. Central to this regulation is Aurora B kinase, which phosphorylates kinetochore substrates to promote microtubule turnover. A critical target of Aurora B is the N-terminal “tail” domain of Hec1, which is a component of the NDC80 complex, a force-transducing link between kinetochores and microtubules. Although Aurora B is regarded as the “master regulator” of kinetochore–microtubule attachment, other mitotic kinases likely contribute to Hec1 phosphorylation. In this study, we demonstrate that Aurora A kinase regulates kinetochore–microtubule dynamics of metaphase chromosomes, and we identify Hec1 S69, a previously uncharacterized phosphorylation target site in the Hec1 tail, as a critical Aurora A substrate for this regulation. Additionally, we demonstrate that Aurora A kinase associates with inner centromere protein (INCENP) during mitosis and that INCENP is competent to drive accumulation of the kinase to the centromere region of mitotic chromosomes. These findings reveal that both Aurora A and B contribute to kinetochore–microtubule attachment dynamics, and they uncover an unexpected role for Aurora A in late mitosis.

scholarly journals Polo-like kinase-1 regulates kinetochore–microtubule dynamics and spindle checkpoint silencing

2012 ◽  
Vol 198 (4) ◽  
pp. 491-499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Liu ◽  
Olga Davydenko ◽  
Michael A. Lampson
Keyword(s):  
High Activity ◽  
Spindle Checkpoint ◽  
Mitotic Arrest ◽  
Microtubule Dynamics ◽  
Signaling Proteins ◽  
Dynamic Localization ◽  
Checkpoint Signaling ◽  
Microtubule Attachment

Polo-like kinase-1 (Plk1) is a highly conserved kinase with multiple mitotic functions. Plk1 localizes to prometaphase kinetochores and is reduced at metaphase kinetochores, similar to many checkpoint signaling proteins, but Plk1 is not required for spindle checkpoint function. Plk1 is also implicated in stabilizing kinetochore–microtubule attachments, but these attachments are most stable when kinetochore Plk1 levels are low at metaphase. Therefore, it is unclear how Plk1 function at kinetochores can be understood in the context of its dynamic localization. In this paper, we show that Plk1 activity suppresses kinetochore–microtubule dynamics to stabilize initial attachments in prometaphase, and Plk1 removal from kinetochores is necessary to maintain dynamic microtubules in metaphase. Constitutively targeting Plk1 to kinetochores maintained high activity at metaphase, leading to reduced interkinetochore tension and intrakinetochore stretch, a checkpoint-dependent mitotic arrest, and accumulation of microtubule attachment errors. Together, our data show that Plk1 dynamics at kinetochores control two critical mitotic processes: initially establishing correct kinetochore–microtubule attachments and subsequently silencing the spindle checkpoint.

scholarly journals Human CLASP2 specifically regulates microtubule catastrophe and rescue

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (10) ◽  
pp. 1168-1177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth J. Lawrence ◽  
Göker Arpag˘ ◽  
Stephen R. Norris ◽  
Marija Zanic
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Microtubule Dynamics ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Microtubule Growth ◽  
Protein Components

Cytoplasmic linker-associated proteins (CLASPs) are microtubule-associated proteins essential for microtubule regulation in many cellular processes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying CLASP activity are not understood. Here, we use purified protein components and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to investigate the effects of human CLASP2 on microtubule dynamics in vitro. We demonstrate that CLASP2 suppresses microtubule catastrophe and promotes rescue without affecting the rates of microtubule growth or shrinkage. Strikingly, when CLASP2 is combined with EB1, a known binding partner, the effects on microtubule dynamics are strongly enhanced. We show that synergy between CLASP2 and EB1 is dependent on a direct interaction, since a truncated EB1 protein that lacks the CLASP2-binding domain does not enhance CLASP2 activity. Further, we find that EB1 targets CLASP2 to microtubules and increases the dwell time of CLASP2 at microtubule tips. Although the temporally averaged microtubule growth rates are unaffected by CLASP2, we find that microtubules grown with CLASP2 display greater variability in growth rates. Our results provide insight into the regulation of microtubule dynamics by CLASP proteins and highlight the importance of the functional interplay between regulatory proteins at dynamic microtubule ends.

scholarly journals Intramolecular interactions between the AF3 domain and the C-terminus of the human progesterone receptor are mediated through two LXXLL motifs

2004 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 843-857 ◽  
Author(s):  
X Dong ◽  
SJ Lye ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Progesterone Receptor ◽  
Transcriptional Activity ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Intramolecular Interactions ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Human Progesterone Receptor

The human progesterone receptor (PR) exists in two major forms, PRA and PRB, which differentially regulate gene transcription in a cell- and promoter-specific manner. The molecular mechanisms underlying this differential transcriptional activity have been attributed to the presence of a unique AF3 domain within PRB that may result in the two isoforms adopting different protein conformations. We demonstrate here that in myometrial cells, PRB exhibits strong progesterone-dependent transcriptional activity that is dependent on the presence of two LXXLL motifs within the AF3 domain. In vitro and in vivo protein interaction assays indicate that these motifs mediate the direct interaction between the AF3 domain and C-PR in a progesterone-dependent manner. Mutation of either of the LXXLL motifs or deletion of the last 30 amino acids within the C-terminus disrupts this interaction and progesterone-dependent transcriptional activity of PRB. Members of the p160 family of co-activators (such as GRIP-1) also interact with C-PR through their LXXLL motifs. However, GRIP-1 does not compete with AF3 but rather acts to synergize these two transactivation domains. Our data suggest that a failure to form an appropriate AF3-C-terminus interaction results in an inability of co-activators to induce maximal PR-dependent transactivation. The absence of an AF3 domain within PRA may account for its inability to activate progesterone-responsive genes, as well as its actions as a dominant trans-repressor.

scholarly journals Dynamic localization of Mps1 kinase to kinetochores is essential for accurate spindle microtubule attachment

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (33) ◽  
pp. E4546-E4555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhen Dou ◽  
Xing Liu ◽  
Wenwen Wang ◽  
Tongge Zhu ◽  
Xinghui Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spindle Assembly Checkpoint ◽  
Tetratricopeptide Repeat ◽  
Mitotic Progression ◽  
Microtubule Attachment ◽  
Spatiotemporal Regulation ◽  
Monopolar Spindle ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Repeat Domain ◽  
Chromosome Alignment ◽  
Tetratricopeptide Repeat Domain

The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) is a conserved signaling pathway that monitors faithful chromosome segregation during mitosis. As a core component of SAC, the evolutionarily conserved kinase monopolar spindle 1 (Mps1) has been implicated in regulating chromosome alignment, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Our molecular delineation of Mps1 activity in SAC led to discovery of a previously unidentified structural determinant underlying Mps1 function at the kinetochores. Here, we show that Mps1 contains an internal region for kinetochore localization (IRK) adjacent to the tetratricopeptide repeat domain. Importantly, the IRK region determines the kinetochore localization of inactive Mps1, and an accumulation of inactive Mps1 perturbs accurate chromosome alignment and mitotic progression. Mechanistically, the IRK region binds to the nuclear division cycle 80 complex (Ndc80C), and accumulation of inactive Mps1 at the kinetochores prevents a dynamic interaction between Ndc80C and spindle microtubules (MTs), resulting in an aberrant kinetochore attachment. Thus, our results present a previously undefined mechanism by which Mps1 functions in chromosome alignment by orchestrating Ndc80C–MT interactions and highlight the importance of the precise spatiotemporal regulation of Mps1 kinase activity and kinetochore localization in accurate mitotic progression.

scholarly journals Physiological relevance of post-translational regulation of the spindle assembly checkpoint protein BubR1

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Celia R. Bloom ◽  
Brian J. North
Keyword(s):  
Translational Regulation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Spindle Assembly Checkpoint ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Spindle Assembly ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Microtubule Attachment ◽  
Anaphase Onset ◽  
Physiological Relevance ◽  
Mosaic Variegated Aneuploidy

AbstractBubR1 is an essential component of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) during mitosis where it functions to prevent anaphase onset to ensure proper chromosome alignment and kinetochore-microtubule attachment. Loss or mutation of BubR1 results in aneuploidy that precedes various potential pathologies, including cancer and mosaic variegated aneuploidy (MVA). BubR1 is also progressively downregulated with age and has been shown to be directly involved in the aging process through suppression of cellular senescence. Post-translational modifications, including but not limited to phosphorylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination, play a critical role in the temporal and spatial regulation of BubR1 function. In this review, we discuss the currently characterized post-translational modifications to BubR1, the enzymes involved, and the biological consequences to BubR1 functionality and implications in diseases associated with BubR1. Understanding the molecular mechanisms promoting these modifications and their roles in regulating BubR1 is important for our current understanding and future studies of BubR1 in maintaining genomic integrity as well as in aging and cancer.

scholarly journals Mps1 regulates spindle morphology through MCRS1 to promote chromosome alignment

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 1060-1068 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongdan Yang ◽  
Fengxia Zhang ◽  
Ching-Jung Huang ◽  
Jun Liao ◽  
Ying Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spindle Assembly Checkpoint ◽  
Spindle Assembly ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Genome Maintenance ◽  
Microtubule Attachment ◽  
Downstream Effectors ◽  
Chromosome Alignment ◽  
Assembly Factor ◽  
Spindle Microtubules

Accurate partitioning of chromosomes during mitosis is essential for genetic stability and requires the assembly of the dynamic mitotic spindle and proper kinetochore–microtubule attachment. The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) monitors the incompleteness and errors in kinetochore–microtubule attachment and delays anaphase. The SAC kinase Mps1 regulates the recruitment of downstream effectors to unattached kinetochores. Mps1 also actively promotes chromosome alignment during metaphase, but the underlying mechanism is not completely understood. Here, we show that Mps1 regulates chromosome alignment through MCRS1, a spindle assembly factor that controls the dynamics of the minus end of kinetochore microtubules. Mps1 binds and phosphorylates MCRS1. This mechanism enables KIF2A localization to the minus end of spindle microtubules. Thus, our study reveals a novel role of Mps1 in regulating the dynamics of the minus end of microtubules and expands the functions of Mps1 in genome maintenance.

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