Attachment and tension in the spindle assembly checkpoint.
Faithful transmission of chromosomes during mitosis is ensured by the spindle assembly checkpoint. This molecular safeguard examines whether prerequisites for chromosome segregation have been satisfied and thereby determines whether to execute or to delay chromosome segregation. Only when all the chromosomes are attached by kinetochore microtubules from two opposite spindle poles and proper tension is placed on the paired kinetochores does anaphase take place, allowing the physical splitting of sister chromatids. Recent studies have provided novel insights into the molecular mechanisms through which the spindle assembly checkpoint is regulated by both the attachment of chromosomes to kinetochore microtubules and the tension exerted on kinetochores.
Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Jun
J
Zhou
Joyce
J
Yao
Harish C
HC
Joshi
D000818:Animals; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D020090:Chromosome Segregation / Q000235:genetics; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D018816:Genes, cdc / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D018386:Kinetochores / Q000378:metabolism*; D008870:Microtubules / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008938:Mitosis / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics; D008941:Spindle Apparatus / Q000378:metabolism*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins