The researchers from the Kops group and the University of Edinburgh made a significant discovery regarding the structure of the centromere, a key component in ensuring proper chromosome segregation during cell division. This structure consists of two subdomains, rather than a single compact structure as previously believed. The interaction between the centromere and spindle microtubules is crucial in guiding the separation of sister chromatids during mitosis. Errors in this process can lead to chromosome segregation mistakes, which are often observed in cancer cells. Understanding the structure of the centromere can provide insights into its function and role in erroneous chromosomal segregation.
During cell division, the parent cell duplicates its chromosomes, creating identical pairs known as sister chromatids which are held together by the centromere. The accurate separation of these sister chromatids is essential for ensuring that each daughter cell receives the correct number of chromosomes. Mistakes in chromosome segregation can result in one daughter cell having too many chromosomes, while the other has too few, potentially leading to cell death or cancer development. The research published in Cell on May 13th 2024 sheds light on the mechanisms underlying erroneous divisions in cancer cells and provides new insights into the centromere structure.
The centromere plays a crucial role in chromosome segregation during mitosis by interacting with spindle microtubules which pull the sister chromatids apart. Proper attachment of the centromere to the spindle microtubules is essential for accurate chromosome segregation. Carlos Sacristan Lopez, the first author of the study, highlights the importance of understanding the structure of the centromere in preventing chromosome segregation errors frequently observed in cancer. The researchers used a combination of imaging and sequencing techniques to uncover the two subdomains of the centromere, a surprising finding that has significant implications for the process of chromosome segregation.
The collaboration between the Kops group, University of Edinburgh, and the Hubrecht Institute led to the discovery of the two subdomains of the centromere which bind microtubules independently of each other. Despite this independent binding, the subdomains must remain closely connected to ensure correct attachments during chromosome segregation. In cancer cells, the uncoupling of subdomains can result in erroneous attachments and chromosome segregation errors. This fundamental discovery sheds light on the origin of chromosome segregation errors and provides valuable insights into potential mechanisms underlying cancer development.
The research published in Cell on the structure of the centromere represents a significant advancement in our understanding of chromosome segregation during cell division. By uncovering the presence of two subdomains within the centromere, the researchers have provided new insights into the complex interactions that govern accurate chromosome segregation. Mistakes in chromosome segregation can have serious consequences, including cell death and cancer development. Understanding the structure of the centromere and its role in guiding chromosome segregation can potentially lead to new approaches for preventing chromosome segregation errors and improving cancer treatment strategies. This discovery paves the way for further research into the function of the centromere and its impact on cell division processes.