Proper Kinetochore-microtubule Attachment Research Articles

Initial spindle positioning at the oocyte center protects against incorrect kinetochore-microtubule attachment and aneuploidy in mice.

Spindle positioning within the oocyte must be tightly regulated. In mice, the spindle is predominantly assembled at the oocyte center before its migration toward the cortex to achieve the highly asymmetric division, a characteristic of female meiosis. The significance of the initial central positioning of the spindle is largely unknown. We show that initial spindle positioning at the oocyte center is an insurance mechanism to avoid the premature exposure of the spindle to cortical CDC42 signaling, which perturbs proper kinetochore-microtubule attachments, leading to the formation of aneuploid gametes. These findings contribute to understanding why female gametes are notoriously associated with high rates of aneuploidy, the leading genetic cause of miscarriage and congenital abnormalities.

Micronuclei from misaligned chromosomes that satisfy the spindle assembly checkpoint in cancer cells

SummaryChromosome alignment to the spindle equator is a hallmark of mitosis thought to promote chromosome segregation fidelity in metazoans. Yet chromosome alignment is only indirectly supervised by the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) as a byproduct of chromosome bi-orientation, and the consequences of defective chromosome alignment remain unclear. Here, we investigated how human cells respond to chromosome alignment defects of distinct molecular nature by following the fate of live HeLa cells after RNAi-mediated depletion of 125 proteins previously implicated in chromosome alignment. We confirmed chromosome alignment defects upon depletion of 108/125 proteins. Surprisingly, in all confirmed cases, depleted cells frequently entered anaphase after a delay with misaligned chromosomes. Using depletion of prototype proteins resulting in defective chromosome alignment, we show that misaligned chromosomes often satisfy the SAC and directly missegregate without lagging behind in anaphase. In-depth analysis of specific molecular perturbations that prevent proper kinetochore-microtubule attachments revealed that misaligned chromosomes that missegregate frequently result in micronuclei. Higher-resolution live-cell imaging indicated that, contrary to most anaphase lagging chromosomes that correct and reintegrate the main nuclei, misaligned chromosomes are a strong predictor of micronuclei formation in a cancer cell model of chromosomal instability, but not in non-transformed near-diploid cells. We provide evidence supporting that intrinsic differences in kinetochore-microtubule attachment stability on misaligned chromosomes account for this distinct outcome. Thus, misaligned chromosomes that satisfy the SAC may represent a previously overlooked mechanism driving chromosomal/genomic instability during cancer cell division, and we unveil genetic conditions predisposing for these events.

Initial Spindle Positioning at the Oocyte Center Protects Against Incorrect Kinetochore-Microtubule Attachment and Aneuploidy in Mice

Spindle formation and positioning are two critical events that must be regulated tightly to avoid erroneous chromosome segregation. Following nuclear envelope breakdown (NEBD), the spindle is predominantly assembled centrally before migrating towards the cortex to allow the first asymmetric division. The biological significance of primary central positioning of the spindle has not yet been studied. Because the spindle forms where NEBD occurs, nucleus position greatly influences the site of spindle assembly. We find that nucleus positioning is a dynamic process that depends on maternal age. Moreover, we show that preferential initial spindle positioning at the oocyte center is an insurance mechanism to avoid premature exposure to cortical Cdc42 signaling that hinders proper kinetochore-microtubule attachments, thereby protecting against the development of aneuploid gametes. These findings will help in understanding why female gametes are notoriously associated with high rates of aneuploidy, the leading genetic cause of miscarriage and infertility in women.

Mps1 regulates spindle morphology through MCRS1 to promote chromosome alignment.

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.

Measuring NDC80 binding reveals the molecular basis of tension-dependent kinetochore-microtubule attachments.

Proper kinetochore-microtubule attachments, mediated by the NDC80 complex, are required for error-free chromosome segregation. Erroneous attachments are corrected by the tension dependence of kinetochore-microtubule interactions. Here, we present a method, based on fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and Förster resonance energy transfer, to quantitatively measure the fraction of NDC80 complexes bound to microtubules at individual kinetochores in living human cells. We found that NDC80 binding is modulated in a chromosome autonomous fashion over prometaphase and metaphase, and is predominantly regulated by centromere tension. We show that this tension dependency requires phosphorylation of the N-terminal tail of Hec1, a component of the NDC80 complex, and the proper localization of Aurora B kinase, which modulates NDC80 binding. Our results lead to a mathematical model of the molecular basis of tension-dependent NDC80 binding to kinetochore microtubules in vivo.

Role of the Spc105 Complex in Organization and Microtubule‐Binding Activity of the Budding Yeast Kinetochore

Equally partitioning duplicated chromosomes during mitosis is of paramount importance; failure can cause aneuploidy, which predisposes individuals to cancer and birth defects. Chromosome segregation is orchestrated by kinetochores, a super‐complex of proteins that assemble onto centromeric DNA. Kinetochores must strongly couple chromosomes to spindle microtubules and they must sense and correct aberrant microtubule attachments. The Spc105 complex is an essential part of the budding yeast kinetochore, as are its homologues found widely across eukaryotes; however, it has yet to be completely defined. Spc105 complex plays an important role in the mitotic checkpoint, which produces a soluble ‘wait’ signal to delay anaphase in the absence of proper kinetochore‐microtubule attachments. The Spc105 complex is also proposed to contribute directly to kinetochore‐microtubule coupling. However, the extent to which the Spc105 complex and its homologues in other organisms contribute to microtubule coupling is unclear because it has been extremely difficult to study the purified complex in vitro owing to its biochemical instability. Molecular understanding of the binding of Spc105 complex to other complexes within the kinetochore is also lacking. We purified the recombinant Spc105 complex for the first time through co‐expression of its two protein components, Spc105p and Kre28p. Chemical cross‐linking and mass spectrometry (XL/MS) reveal that Spc105p and Kre28p interact through a region of about 200 amino acids. Additional XL/MS and pulldown experiments suggest regions through which the Spc105 complex interacts with the microtubule‐binding Ndc80 complex. Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy shows that the Spc105‐GFP complex binds directly on microtubules. The ability to recombinantly purify the Spc105 complex will allow molecular details of its organization at the kinetochore and its contribution to the kinetochore function to be studied directly.Support or Funding InformationNational Institutes of Health (R01 GM040506) ‐ Trisha N DavisThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Mechanisms of kinetochore-microtubule attachment errors in mammalian oocytes.

Proper kinetochore-microtubule attachment is essential for correct chromosome segregation. Therefore, cells normally possess multiple mechanisms for the prevention of errors in kinetochore-microtubule attachments and for selective stabilization of correct attachments. However, the oocyte, a cell that produces an egg through meiosis, exhibits a high frequency of errors in kinetochore-microtubule attachments. These attachment errors predispose oocytes to chromosome segregation errors, resulting in aneuploidy in eggs. This review aims to provide possible explanations for the error-prone nature of oocytes by examining key differences among other cell types in the mechanisms for the establishment of kinetochore-microtubule attachments.

Spc24 is required for meiotic kinetochore-microtubule attachment and production of euploid eggs.

Mammalian oocytes are particularly error prone in chromosome segregation during two successive meiotic divisions. The proper kinetochore-microtubule attachment is a prerequisite for faithful chromosome segregation during meiosis. Here, we report that Spc24 localizes at the kinetochores during mouse oocyte meiosis. Depletion of Spc24 using specific siRNA injection caused defective kinetochore-microtubule attachments and chromosome misalignment, and accelerated the first meiosis by abrogating the kinetochore recruitment of spindle assembly checkpoint protein Mad2, leading to a high incidence of aneuploidy. Thus, Spc24 plays an important role in genomic stability maintenance during oocyte meiotic maturation.

Laser microsurgery reveals conserved viscoelastic behavior of the kinetochore.

Accurate chromosome segregation depends on proper kinetochore-microtubule attachment. Upon microtubule interaction, kinetochores are subjected to forces generated by the microtubules. In this work, we used laser ablation to sever microtubules attached to a merotelic kinetochore, which is laterally stretched by opposing pulling forces exerted by microtubules, and inferred the mechanical response of the kinetochore from its length change. In both mammalian PtK1 cells and in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, kinetochores shortened after microtubule severing. Interestingly, the inner kinetochore-centromere relaxed faster than the outer kinetochore. Whereas in fission yeast all kinetochores relaxed to a similar length, in PtK1 cells the more stretched kinetochores remained more stretched. Simple models suggest that these differences arise because the mechanical structure of the mammalian kinetochore is more complex. Our study establishes merotelic kinetochores as an experimental model for studying the mechanical response of the kinetochore in live cells and reveals a viscoelastic behavior of the kinetochore that is conserved in yeast and mammalian cells.

CHK1 Inhibition Synergizes with Gemcitabine Initially by Destabilizing the DNA Replication Apparatus.

Combining cell-cycle checkpoint kinase inhibitors with the DNA-damaging chemotherapeutic agent gemcitabine offers clinical appeal, with a mechanistic rationale based chiefly on abrogation of gemcitabine-induced G2-M checkpoint activation. However, evidence supporting this mechanistic rationale from chemosensitization studies has not been consistent. Here we report a systematic definition of how pancreatic cancer cells harboring mutant p53 respond to this combination therapy, by combining mathematical models with large-scale quantitative biologic analyses of single cells and cell populations. Notably, we uncovered a dynamic range of mechanistic effects at different ratios of gemcitabine and CHK1 inhibitors. Remarkably, effective synergy was attained even where cells exhibited an apparently functional G2-M surveillance mechanism, as exemplified by a lack of both overt premature CDK1 activation and S-phase mitotic entry. Consistent with these findings, S-G2 duration was extended in treated cells, leading to a definable set of lineage-dependent catastrophic fates. At synergistic drug concentrations, global replication stress was a distinct indicator of chemosensitization as characterized molecularly by an accumulation of S-phase cells with high levels of hyperphosphorylated RPA-loaded single-stranded DNA. In a fraction of these cells, persistent genomic damage was observed, including chromosomal fragmentation with a loss of centromeric regions that prevented proper kinetochore-microtubule attachment. Together, our results suggested a "foot-in-the-door" mechanism for drug synergy where cells were destroyed not by frank G2-M phase abrogation but rather by initiating a cumulative genotoxicity that deregulated DNA synthesis.

Catch and release: how do kinetochores hook the right microtubules during mitosis?

Sport fishermen keep tension on their lines to prevent hooked fish from releasing. A molecular version of this angler's trick, operating at kinetochores, ensures accuracy during mitosis: the mitotic spindle attaches randomly to chromosomes and then correctly bioriented attachments are stabilized due to the tension exerted on them by opposing microtubules. Incorrect attachments, which lack tension, are unstable and release quickly, allowing another chance for biorientation. Stabilization of molecular interactions by tension also occurs in other physiological contexts, such as cell adhesion, motility, hemostasis, and tissue morphogenesis. Here, we review models for the stabilization of kinetochore attachments with an eye toward emerging models for other force-activated systems. Although attention in the mitosis field has focused mainly on one kinase-based mechanism, multiple mechanisms may act together to stabilize properly bioriented kinetochores and some principles governing other tension-sensitive systems may also apply to kinetochores.

Alp7/TACC recruits kinesin-8-PP1 to the Ndc80 kinetochore protein for timely mitotic progression and chromosome movement.

ABSTRACTUpon establishment of proper kinetochore–microtubule attachment, the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) must be silenced to allow onset of anaphase, which is when sister chromatids segregate equally to two daughter cells. However, how proper kinetochore–microtubule attachment leads to timely anaphase onset remains elusive. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms of chromosome movement during anaphase A remain unclear. In this study, we show that the fission yeast Alp7/TACC protein recruits a protein complex consisting of the kinesin-8 (Klp5–Klp6) and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) to the kinetochore upon kinetochore–microtubule attachment. Accumulation of this complex at the kinetochore, on the one hand, facilitates SAC inactivation through PP1, and, on the other hand, accelerates polewards chromosome movement driven by the Klp5–Klp6 motor. We identified an alp7 mutant that had specific defects in binding to the Klp5–Klp6–PP1 complex but with normal localisation to the microtubule and kinetochore. Consistent with our proposition, this mutant shows delayed anaphase onset and decelerated chromosome movement during anaphase A. We propose that the recruitment of kinesin-8–PP1 to the kinetochore through Alp7/TACC interaction plays a crucial role in regulation of timely mitotic progression and chromosome movement during anaphase A.

Phospho-H2A and Cohesin Specify Distinct Tension-Regulated Sgo1 Pools at Kinetochores and Inner Centromeres

Accurate chromosome segregation requires coordination between the dissolution of sister-chromatid cohesion and the establishment of proper kinetochore-microtubule attachment. During mitosis, sister-chromatid cohesion at centromeres enables the biorientation of and tension across sister kinetochores. The complex between shugoshin and protein phosphatase 2A (Sgo1-PP2A) localizes to centromeres in mitosis, binds to cohesin in a reaction requiring Cdk-dependent phosphorylation of Sgo1, dephosphorylates cohesin-bound sororin, and protects a centromeric pool of cohesin from mitotic kinases and the cohesin inhibitor Wapl. Cleavage of centromeric cohesin by separase allows sister chromatids connected to microtubules from opposing poles to be evenly partitioned into daughter cells. The centromeric localization of Sgo1 requires histone H2A phosphorylation at T120 (H2A-pT120) by the kinase Bub1. The exact role of H2A-pT120 in Sgo1 regulation is, however, unclear. Here, we show that cohesin and H2A-pT120 specify two distinct pools of Sgo1-P2A at inner centromeres and kinetochores, respectively, in human cells. Bub1 inactivation delocalizes cohesin-Sgo1 to chromosome arms. Kinetochore tension triggers Sgo1 dephosphorylation and redistributes Sgo1 from inner centromeres to kinetochores. Incomplete Sgo1 redistribution causes chromosome nondisjunction. Our study suggests that Bub1-mediated H2A phosphorylation penetrates kinetochores and that this histone mark contributes to a tension-sensitive Sgo1-based molecular switch for chromosome segregation.

Ndc80 Loop as a protein-protein interaction motif

Our understanding of the structure and function of kinetochores has advanced dramatically over the past 10 years, yet how the plus end of spindle microtubules interacts with the kinetochore and establishes amphitelic attachment for proper sister chromatid segregation remains unresolved. However, several recent reports from different organisms have shed new light on this issue. A key player in microtubule-kinetochore interaction is the conserved Ndc80 outer kinetochore complex. In both yeast and human cells in particular, a ubiquitous internal ‘loop’ found in the Ndc80 molecule interrupting its C-terminal coiled-coil domain plays critical roles in protein-protein interaction, by recruiting microtubule-binding proteins to ensure proper kinetochore-microtubule attachment. In this commentary, we summarise the recent progress made and discuss the evolutionary significance of this loop’s role in microtubule dynamics at the kinetochore for accurate chromosome segregation.

Abstract 2056: Molecular delineation of TIP150 function underlying kinetochore microtubule dynamics during mitotic chromosome segregation

Abstract The microtubule cytoskeleton orchestrates the cellular dynamics and plasticity that underlies cellular morphogenesis. Microtubule binding proteins known as “TIP” proteins regulate the dynamic properties of microtubules during chromosomal segregation and cellular division. Our recent study revealed that TIP150 is a novel plus end tracking protein interacting with EB1 and MCAK in vitro and in vivo (EMBO Reports. 2009. 10:857-65). However, it is unclear whether and how this interaction regulates chromosome segregation in mitosis. We hypothesize that Tip150 is essential for chromosome segregation, and governs proper kinetochore-microtubule attachment at the microtubule plus end. To delineate the molecular function of TIP150 and its regulation in chromosome segregation and the mitotic cell cycle, a combination of biophotonic analyses with RNA interference was employed. Immunofluorescence reveals that TIP150 localizes to the outer most part of the kinetochore and to the ends of growing microtubules by its C-terminal domain. Suppression of TIP150 resulted in an increase in mitotic defects, reduced kinetochore-microtubule attachment, and perturbed chromosome oscillation dynamics. Furthermore, the use of total internal reflection microscopy reveals a novel role for TIP150-EB1 elicited tracking to the microtubule ends. We reason that TIP150 is essential for kinetochore-microtubule attachment in mitosis and microtubule dynamics. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2056. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2056

A Role for Metaphase Spindle Elongation Forces in Correction of Merotelic Kinetochore Attachments

During mitosis, equal segregation of chromosomes depends on proper kinetochore-microtubule attachments. Merotelic kinetochore orientation, in which a single kinetochore binds microtubules from both spindle poles [1], is a major cause of chromosome instability [2], which is commonly observed in solid tumors [3, 4]. Using the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, we show that a proper force balance between kinesin motors on interpolar spindle microtubules is critical for correcting merotelic attachments. Inhibition of the plus-end-directed spindle elongation motors kinesin-5 (Cut7) and kinesin-6 (Klp9) reduces spindle length, tension at kinetochores, and the frequency of merotelic attachments. In contrast, merotely is increased by deletion of the minus-end-directed kinesin-14 (Klp2) or overexpression of Klp9. Also, Cdk1 regulates spindle elongation forces to promote merotelic correction by phosphorylating and inhibiting Klp9. The role of spindle elongation motors in merotelic correction is conserved, because partial inhibition of the human kinesin-5 homolog Eg5 using the drug monastrol reduces spindle length and lagging chromosome frequency in both normal (RPE-1) and tumor (CaCo-2) cells. These findings reveal unexpected links between spindle forces and correction of merotelic attachments and show that pharmacological manipulation of spindle elongation forces might be used to reduce chromosome instability in cancer cells.

How Kinetochores Promote Accuracy in Mitosis: Tension, Phosphoregulation, and the Chinese ‘Finger Trap’ Effect

An exquisite molecular machine, the mitotic spindle, organizes and separates chromosomes during cell division. To uncover how this machine operates we are reconstituting spindle functions and applying advanced biophysical tools for manipulating and tracking individual molecules. My talk will focus on kinetochores, the multi-protein organelles that link chromosomes to spindle microtubules, thereby driving chromosome movement. Kinetochores also perform vital regulatory activities that ensure the accuracy of mitosis. For example, a popular view is that tension selectively stabilizes proper kinetochore-microtubule attachments. Proper (‘bi-oriented’) attachments come under tension from opposing microtubules, and this tension is thought to cause their stabilization. Conversely, improper attachments lack tension, so they fail to become stabilized and detach quickly, giving another chance for proper attachments to form. We recently used laser trapping-based assays to show that tension stabilizes attachments between individual kinetochore particles purified from budding yeast and single microtubule tips. The tension in this case acts directly on the kinetochore-microtubule interface, causing it to adopt a more stable configuration in a manner similar to a Chinese ‘finger trap’ toy, or to the catch bonds that enhance cell-cell adhesion. Now we are investigating how this direct stabilization works in tandem with phosphoregulation. Aurora B kinase is known to promote mitotic accuracy through phosphorylation of kinetochore subcomplexes. Current efforts toward understanding how phosphorylation affects kinetochore function will be discussed.

Formin mDia3

Stable attachment of kinetochores to spindle microtubules is essential for accurate chromosome segregation. We have shown that a kinetochore-associated formin protein, mDia3, contributes to the generation of stable kinetochore-microtubule attachment. The published report reviewed here shows an essential role of mDia3 in achieving metaphase chromosome alignment, and this function is directly regulated by Aurora B phosphorylation. Aurora B is a central component during the capture of spindle microtubules by kinetochores, in which it selectively eliminates incorrect attachments by phosphorylating a group of microtubule binding proteins at kinetochores to reduce their microtubule binding affinity. Here, we discuss the roles of Aurora B kinase and its substrates in achieving proper kinetochore-microtubule attachment.

Tension Directly Stabilizes Reconstituted Kinetochore-Microtubule Attachments

Kinetochores are macromolecular machines that couple chromosomes to dynamic microtubule tips during cell division, thereby generating force to segregate the chromosomes. Accurate segregation depends on selective stabilization of correct ‘bi-oriented’ kinetochore-microtubule attachments, which come under tension due to opposing forces exerted by microtubules. Tension is thought to stabilize these bi-oriented attachments indirectly, by suppressing the destabilizing activity of a kinase, Aurora B. However, a complete mechanistic understanding of the role of tension requires reconstitution of kinetochore-microtubule attachments for biochemical and biophysical analyses in vitro. Here we show that native kinetochore particles retaining the majority of kinetochore proteins can be purified from budding yeast and used to reconstitute dynamic microtubule attachments. Individual kinetochore particles maintain load-bearing associations with assembling and disassembling ends of single microtubules for >30 min, providing a close match to the persistent coupling seen in vivo between budding yeast kinetochores and single microtubules. Moreover, tension increases the lifetimes of the reconstituted attachments directly, via a catch bond-like mechanismthat does not require Aurora B. Based on these findings, we propose that tension selectively stabilizes proper kinetochore-microtubule attachments in vivo through a combination of direct mechanical stabilization and tension-dependent phosphoregulation.

Tension directly stabilizes reconstituted kinetochore-microtubule attachments

Kinetochores are macromolecular machines that couple chromosomes to dynamic microtubule tips during cell division, thereby generating force to segregate the chromosomes. Accurate segregation depends on selective stabilization of correct 'bi-oriented' kinetochore-microtubule attachments, which come under tension as the result of opposing forces exerted by microtubules. Tension is thought to stabilize these bi-oriented attachments indirectly, by suppressing the destabilizing activity of a kinase, Aurora B. However, a complete mechanistic understanding of the role of tension requires reconstitution of kinetochore-microtubule attachments for biochemical and biophysical analyses in vitro. Here we show that native kinetochore particles retaining the majority of kinetochore proteins can be purified from budding yeast and used to reconstitute dynamic microtubule attachments. Individual kinetochore particles maintain load-bearing associations with assembling and disassembling ends of single microtubules for >30 min, providing a close match to the persistent coupling seen in vivo between budding yeast kinetochores and single microtubules. Moreover, tension increases the lifetimes of the reconstituted attachments directly, through a catch bond-like mechanism that does not require Aurora B. On the basis of these findings, we propose that tension selectively stabilizes proper kinetochore-microtubule attachments in vivo through a combination of direct mechanical stabilization and tension-dependent phosphoregulation.