Building an integrated model of chromosome congression.
A universal feature of mitosis is that all chromosomes become aligned at the spindle equator--the halfway point between the two spindle poles--prior to anaphase onset. This migratory event is called congression, and is powered by centromere-bound protein machines called kinetochores. This Commentary aims to document recent advances concerning the two kinetochore-based force-generating mechanisms that drive mitotic chromosome congression in vertebrate cells: depolymerisation-coupled pulling (DCP) and lateral sliding. We aim to explore how kinetochores can 'read-out' their spatial position within the spindle, and adjust these force-generating mechanisms to ensure chromosomes reach, and then remain, at the equator. Finally, we will describe the 'life history' of a chromosome, and provide a working model for how individual mechanisms are integrated to ensure efficient and successful congression.
Mechanochemical Cell Biology Building, Division of Biomedical Cell Biology, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
Philip
P
Auckland
Mechanochemical Cell Biology Building, Division of Biomedical Cell Biology, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK a.d.mcainsh@warwick.ac.uk.
Andrew D
AD
McAinsh
D000818:Animals; D002503:Centromere; D059045:Chromosomal Puffs; D023902:Chromosome Pairing; D020090:Chromosome Segregation; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D018386:Kinetochores / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D008941:Spindle Apparatus; D014714:Vertebrates
Congression; Kinetochore; Mitosis; Spindle