The microtubule-dependent motor centromere-associated protein E (CENP-E) is an integral component of kinetochore corona fibers that link centromeres to spindle microtubules

J Cell Biol. 1997 Oct 20;139(2):435-47. doi: 10.1083/jcb.139.2.435.

Abstract

Centromere-associated protein E (CENP-E) is a kinesin-related microtubule motor protein that is essential for chromosome congression during mitosis. Using immunoelectron microscopy, CENP-E is shown to be an integral component of the kinetochore corona fibers that tether centromeres to the spindle. Immediately upon nuclear envelope fragmentation, an associated plus end motor trafficks cytoplasmic CENP-E toward chromosomes along astral microtubules that enter the nuclear volume. Before or concurrently with initial lateral attachment of spindle microtubules, CENP-E targets to the outermost region of the developing kinetochores. After stable attachment, throughout chromosome congression, at metaphase, and throughout anaphase A, CENP-E is a constituent of the corona fibers, extending at least 50 nm away from the kinetochore outer plate and intertwining with spindle microtubules. In congressing chromosomes, CENP-E is preferentially associated with (or accessible at) the stretched, leading kinetochore known to provide the primary power for chromosome movement. Taken together, this evidence strongly supports a model in which CENP-E functions in congression to tether kinetochores to the disassembling microtubule plus ends.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Cycle / physiology*
  • Cell Division
  • Centromere / ultrastructure*
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / analysis*
  • Chromosomes, Human / ultrastructure
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Kinetochores / ultrastructure*
  • Microscopy, Immunoelectron
  • Microtubules / drug effects
  • Microtubules / ultrastructure*
  • Models, Structural
  • Nocodazole / pharmacology
  • Nuclear Envelope / physiology
  • Nuclear Envelope / ultrastructure
  • Spindle Apparatus / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • centromere protein E
  • Nocodazole