Active transcription and essential role of RNA polymerase II at the centromere during mitosis.
Transcription of the centromeric regions has been reported to occur in G1 and S phase in different species. Here, we investigate whether transcription also occurs and plays a functional role at the mammalian centromere during mitosis. We show the presence of actively transcribing RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) and its associated transcription factors, coupled with the production of centromere satellite transcripts at the mitotic kinetochore. Specific inhibition of RNAPII activity during mitosis leads to a decrease in centromeric α-satellite transcription and a concomitant increase in anaphase-lagging cells, with the lagging chromosomes showing reduced centromere protein C binding. These findings demonstrate an essential role of RNAPII in the transcription of α-satellite DNA, binding of centromere protein C, and the proper functioning of the mitotic kinetochore.
Chromosome and Chromatin Research, Department of Paediatrics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital,  University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052,  Australia.
F Lyn
FL
Chan
Owen J
OJ
Marshall
Richard
R
Saffery
Bo Won
BW
Kim
Elizabeth
E
Earle
K H Andy
KH
Choo
Lee H
LH
Wong
D000818:Animals; D002503:Centromere / Q000378:metabolism*; D002868:Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / Q000378:metabolism; D033481:Chromosomes, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism; D004276:DNA, Satellite / Q000378:metabolism; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D018386:Kinetochores / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008938:Mitosis; D010749:Phosphoprotein Phosphatases; D021381:Protein Transport; D012319:RNA Polymerase II / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012694:Serine / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D002868:Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone; D004276:DNA, Satellite; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014157:Transcription Factors; C060905:centromere protein C; D012694:Serine; D012319:RNA Polymerase II; D010749:Phosphoprotein Phosphatases; C116022:carboxy-terminal domain phosphatase