Repository logo
 

Stable kinetochore-microtubule attachment is sufficient to satisfy the spindle assembly checkpoint

dc.contributor.authorTauchman, Eric Cary, author
dc.contributor.authorDeLuca, Jennifer G., advisor
dc.contributor.authorChen, Chaoping, committee member
dc.contributor.authorRoss, Eric, committee member
dc.contributor.authorWilusz, Carol, committee member
dc.date.accessioned2016-08-18T23:11:34Z
dc.date.available2016-08-18T23:11:34Z
dc.date.issued2016
dc.description.abstractDuring mitosis, duplicated sister chromatids attach to microtubules emanating from opposing sides of the bipolar spindle through large protein complexes called kinetochores. The kinetochore proteins that bind spindle microtubules are exquisitely regulated to ensure correct segregation of genetic material at mitotic exit. Aurora B Kinase (ABK) phosphorylates Hec1, a protein that directly binds microtubules. This is critical for enabling the release of incorrect kinetochore-microtubule attachments. Hec1 has nine ABK phosphorylation sites on its tail domain allowing for precise control over binding affinity. We find that at least 7 of these sites are required for wild-type kinetochore-microtubule (K-MT) attachment stability as evaluated by inter-kinetochore distance measures and chromosome alignment capability. We further observe that several sites may have more influence on K-MT attachment stability than others. Hec1 mutations preventing phosphorylation increase kinetochore-microtubule attachment stability. In the absence of stable kinetochore–microtubule (K-MT) attachments, a cell surveillance mechanism known as the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) produces an inhibitory signal that prevents anaphase onset. Precisely how the inhibitory SAC signal is extinguished in response to microtubule attachment remains unresolved. To address this, we induced formation of hyper-stable kinetochore–microtubule attachments in human cells using a non-phosphorylatable Hec1mutant, a core component of the attachment machinery. This mutant reduced the ability of ABK to cause release of erroneous K-MT so we could test the hypothesis that stable K-MT attachments satisfy the SAC even if those attachments deviate from the canonical bipolar form. We find that stable attachments are sufficient to satisfy the SAC in the absence of sister kinetochore bi-orientation and strikingly in the absence of detectable microtubule pulling forces or tension. Furthermore, we find that SAC satisfaction occurs despite the absence of large changes in intra-kinetochore distance, suggesting that substantial kinetochore stretching is not required for quenching the SAC signal. These results indicate a conformational change(s), within the kinetochore that occurs upon stable kinetochore-microtubule binding causes the eviction of SAC proteins. This advance in our understanding of SAC function offers insight into the mode of action and the variation in cellular response to mitotic arrest therapies often used in treatments of cancers.
dc.format.mediumborn digital
dc.format.mediumdoctoral dissertations
dc.identifierTauchman_colostate_0053A_13790.pdf
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10217/176748
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherColorado State University. Libraries
dc.relation.ispartof2000-2019
dc.rightsCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.
dc.subjectmicrotubule
dc.subjectkinetochore
dc.subjectspindle assembly checkpoint
dc.titleStable kinetochore-microtubule attachment is sufficient to satisfy the spindle assembly checkpoint
dc.typeText
dcterms.rights.dplaThis Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights (https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/). You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
thesis.degree.disciplineCell and Molecular Biology
thesis.degree.grantorColorado State University
thesis.degree.levelDoctoral
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Files

Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name:
Tauchman_colostate_0053A_13790.pdf
Size:
5.14 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format