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Review
. 2011 Mar;21(3):133-40.
doi: 10.1016/j.tcb.2010.10.007. Epub 2010 Nov 22.

Sensing centromere tension: Aurora B and the regulation of kinetochore function

Michael A Lampson  1 , Iain M Cheeseman
Affiliations
Review

Sensing centromere tension: Aurora B and the regulation of kinetochore function

Michael A Lampson et al. Trends Cell Biol. 2011 Mar.

Abstract

Maintaining genome integrity during cell division requires regulated interactions between chromosomes and spindle microtubules. To ensure that daughter cells inherit the correct chromosomes, the sister kinetochores must attach to opposite spindle poles. Tension across the centromere stabilizes correct attachments, whereas phosphorylation of kinetochore substrates by the conserved Ipl1/Aurora B kinase selectively eliminates incorrect attachments. Here, we review our current understanding of how mechanical forces acting on the kinetochore are linked to biochemical changes to control chromosome segregation. We discuss models for tension sensing and regulation of kinetochore function downstream of Aurora B, and mechanisms that specify Aurora B localization to the inner centromere and determine its interactions with substrates at distinct locations.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Model for tension sensing by spatial separation of Aurora B from kinetochore substrates
(a) Cartoon depiction of a spindle with correctly bi-oriented chromosomes (1) and incorrect kinetochore-microtubule attachments including a syntelically attached chromosome (2) or an unattached chromosome (3). (b,c) A phosphorylation gradient is generated by concentration of Aurora B at the inner centromere. Aurora B sites within the KMN network are phosphorylated due to their position within this gradient (red) at incorrect attachments, where tension is low, which destabilizes kinetochore microtubules (b). These substrates are dephosphorylated at correct attachments, where tension is high, because they are positioned farther from the kinase (c). Recruitment of PP1 to the outer kinetochore provides a counteracting gradient of dephosphorylation (green). (d) Model for how a phosphorylation gradient might be generated. Aurora B is activated (dark red circles) at the inner centromere by autophosphorylation, both of Aurora B and INCENP, followed by release and inactivation (lighter circles) by dephosphorylation as Aurora B diffuses away from the inner centromere.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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