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Abstract:
Kinetochores are large protein assemblies built on chromosomal loci
named centromeres. The main functions of kinetochores can be grouped
under four modules. The first module, in the inner kinetochore,
contributes a sturdy interface with centromeric chromatin. The second
module, the outer kinetochore, contributes a microtubule-binding
interface. The third module, the spindle assembly checkpoint, is a
feedback control mechanism that monitors the state of
kinetochore-microtubule attachment to control the progression of the
cell cycle. The fourth module discerns correct from improper
attachments, preventing the stabilization of the latter and allowing the
selective stabilization of the former. In this review, we discuss how
the molecular organization of the four modules allows a dynamic
integration of kinetochore-microtubule attachment with the prevention of
chromosome segregation errors and cell-cycle progression. The EMBO
Journal (2009) 28, 2511-2531. doi: 10.1038/emboj.2009.173; Published
online 23 July 2009 Subject Categories: cell cycle; structural biology
