Shugoshin enables tension-generating attachment of kinetochores by loading Aurora to centromeres

Functions of HP1 in preventing chromosomal instability

Chromosomal instability (CIN), caused by errors in the segregation of chromosomes during mitosis, is a hallmark of many types of cancer. The fidelity of chromosome segregation is governed by a sophisticated cellular signaling network, one crucial orchestrator of which is Heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1). HP1 dynamically localizes to distinct sites at various stages of mitosis, where it regulates key mitotic events ranging from chromosome-microtubule attachment to sister chromatid cohesion to cytokinesis. Our evolving comprehension of HP1's multifaceted role has positioned it as a central protein in the orchestration of mitotic processes.

Subtelomeres: hotspots of genome variation

Eukaryotic cells contain multiple types of duplicated sequences. Typical examples are tandem repeat sequences including telomeres, centromeres, rDNA genes and transposable elements. Most of these sequences are unstable; thus, their copy numbers or sequences change rapidly in the course of evolution. In this review, I will describe roles of subtelomere regions, which are located adjacent to telomeres at chromosome ends, and recent discoveries about their sequence variation.

A new layer of regulation of chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) translocation in budding yeast

The conserved chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) consists of Ipl1Aurora-B, Sli15INCENP, Bir1Survivin, and Nbl1Borealin, and localizes at the kinetochore/centromere to correct kinetochore attachment errors and to prevent checkpoint silencing. After anaphase entry, the CPC moves from the kinetochore/centromere to the spindle. In budding yeast, CPC subunit Sli15 is phosphorylated by both cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) and Ipl1 kinase. Following anaphase onset, activated Cdc14 phosphatase reverses Sli15 phosphorylation imposed by CDK to promote CPC translocation. Although abolished Sli15 phosphorylation imposed by Ipl1 also causes CPC translocation, the regulation of Ipl1-imposed Sli15 phosphorylation remains unclear. In addition to Sli15, Cdc14 also dephosphorylates Fin1, a regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), to enable kinetochore localization of Fin1-PP1. Here, we present evidence supporting the notion that kinetochore-localized Fin1-PP1 likely reverses Ipl1-imposed Sli15 phosphorylation to promote CPC translocation from the kinetochore/centromere to the spindle. Importantly, premature Fin1 kinetochore localization or phospho-deficient sli15 mutation causes checkpoint defects in response to tensionless attachments, resulting in chromosome missegregation. In addition, our data indicate that reversion of CDK- and Ipl1-imposed Sli15 phosphorylation shows an additive effect on CPC translocation. Together, these results reveal a previously unidentified pathway to regulate CPC translocation, which is important for accurate chromosome segregation.

Low tension recruits the yeast Aurora B protein Ipl1 to centromeres in metaphase

Accurate genome segregation in mitosis requires that all chromosomes are bioriented on the spindle. Cells monitor biorientation by sensing tension across sister centromeres. Chromosomes that are not bioriented have low centromere tension, which allows Aurora B (yeast Ipl1) to perform error correction that locally loosens kinetochore-microtubule attachments to allow detachment of microtubules and fresh attempts at achieving biorientation. However, it is not known whether low tension recruits Aurora B to centromeres or, alternatively, whether low tension directly activates Aurora B already localized at centromeres. In this work, we experimentally induced low tension in metaphase Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells, then monitored Ipl1 localization. We find low tension recruits Ipl1 to centromeres. Furthermore, low tension-induced Ipl1 recruitment depended on Bub1, which is known to provide a binding site for Ipl1. In contrast, Top2, which can also recruit Ipl1 to centromeres, was not required. Our results demonstrate cells are sensitive to low tension at centromeres and respond by actively recruiting Ip1l for error correction.

High SGO2 predicted poor prognosis and high therapeutic value of lung adenocarcinoma and promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation

Background: Shugoshin 2 (SGO2), a component of the cell division cohesion complex, is involved in both mitotic and meiotic processes. Despite being overexpressed in various malignant tumors and is associated with poor prognosis, its exact role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and its biological effects on lung cancer cells are not well understood. Methods: The transcriptomics data and clinical information for LUAD were obtained from TCGA and GEO, and DEGs associated with prognostic risk factors were screened using Cox regression analysis and chi-square testing. Identify these gene functions using correlation heatmaps, protein interaction networks (PPIs), and KEGG enrichment assays. The expression of SGO2 in tissues was verified by PCR and IHC, and the prognostic value of SGO2 in LUAD was evaluated by survival analysis. In addition, the effects of SGO2 knockdown on lung cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were studied in vitro. After that, the TIMER database and single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA) analysis were used to investigate the correlation between SGO2 and immune infiltration. Finally, the tumor mutational burden (TMB) of different SGO2 clusters and the efficacy of the two clusters in multiple treatments were evaluated. Results: High-risk genes associated with poor prognosis in LUAD are involved in cell cycle regulation and proliferation. Among these genes, SGO2 exhibited high expression in LUAD and corresponded with the TNM stage. Furthermore, the knockdown of SGO2 led to a decrease in the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT processes of lung cancer cells. Notably, high SGO2 expression may have poorer anti-tumor immunity and may therefore be more suitable for immunotherapy to re-establish immune function, while its high expression with a higher TMB could enable LUAD to benefit from multiple therapies. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that SGO2 may be a promising prognostic biomarker for LUAD, particularly in regulating the cell cycle and benefiting from multiple therapies.

The Caenorhabditis elegans Shugoshin regulates TAC-1 in cilia

The conserved Shugoshin (SGO) protein family is essential for mediating proper chromosome segregation from yeast to humans but has also been implicated in diverse roles outside of the nucleus. SGO's roles include inhibiting incorrect spindle attachment in the kinetochore, regulating the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), and ensuring centriole cohesion in the centrosome, all functions that involve different microtubule scaffolding structures in the cell. In Caenorhabditis elegans, a species with holocentric chromosomes, SGO-1 is not required for cohesin protection or spindle attachment but appears important for licensing meiotic recombination. Here we provide the first functional evidence that in C. elegans, Shugoshin functions in another extranuclear, microtubule-based structure, the primary cilium. We identify the centrosomal and microtubule-regulating transforming acidic coiled-coil protein, TACC/TAC-1, which also localizes to the basal body, as an SGO-1 binding protein. Genetic analyses indicate that TAC-1 activity must be maintained below a threshold at the ciliary base for correct cilia function, and that SGO-1 likely participates in constraining TAC-1 to the basal body by influencing the function of the transition zone 'ciliary gate'. This research expands our understanding of cellular functions of Shugoshin proteins and contributes to the growing examples of overlap between kinetochore, centrosome and cilia proteomes.

Roles of Specialized Chromatin and DNA Structures at Subtelomeres in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Eukaryotes have linear chromosomes with domains called telomeres at both ends. The telomere DNA consists of a simple tandem repeat sequence, and multiple telomere-binding proteins including the shelterin complex maintain chromosome-end structures and regulate various biological reactions, such as protection of chromosome ends and control of telomere DNA length. On the other hand, subtelomeres, which are located adjacent to telomeres, contain a complex mosaic of multiple common segmental sequences and a variety of gene sequences. This review focused on roles of the subtelomeric chromatin and DNA structures in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The fission yeast subtelomeres form three distinct chromatin structures; one is the shelterin complex, which is localized not only at the telomeres but also at the telomere-proximal regions of subtelomeres to form transcriptionally repressive chromatin structures. The others are heterochromatin and knob, which have repressive effects in gene expression, but the subtelomeres are equipped with a mechanism that prevents these condensed chromatin structures from invading adjacent euchromatin regions. On the other hand, recombination reactions within or near subtelomeric sequences allow chromosomes to be circularized, enabling cells to survive in telomere shortening. Furthermore, DNA structures of the subtelomeres are more variable than other chromosomal regions, which may have contributed to biological diversity and evolution while changing gene expression and chromatin structures.

Optimization of the CRISPR/Cas9 system using adh1 promoter derivatives in fission yeast

The CRSIPR/Cas9 system has been applied to fission yeast, but there remain some rooms for improvement. Here we report that the weaker versions of the adh1 ⁺ promoter, adh11 and adh41 promoters, for the potentially cytotoxic Cas9 achieved highly efficient mutagenesis and gene deletion at the ade6 ⁺ locus. Employing a drug-selectable marker instead of conventional auxotrophic markers, our new vector system is compatible with a variety of experimental settings including prototrophic/auxotrophic strains and complete/minimal media.

Adaptation to high rates of chromosomal instability and aneuploidy through multiple pathways in budding yeast

Both an increased frequency of chromosome missegregation (chromosomal instability, CIN) and the presence of an abnormal complement of chromosomes (aneuploidy) are hallmarks of cancer. To better understand how cells are able to adapt to high levels of chromosomal instability, we previously examined yeast cells that were deleted of the gene BIR1, a member of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC). We found bir1Δ cells quickly adapted by acquiring specific combinations of beneficial aneuploidies. In this study, we monitored these yeast strains for longer periods of time to determine how cells adapt to high levels of both CIN and aneuploidy in the long term. We identify suppressor mutations that mitigate the chromosome missegregation phenotype. The mutated proteins fall into four main categories: outer kinetochore subunits, the SCF^Cdc4 ubiquitin ligase complex, the mitotic kinase Mps1, and the CPC itself. The identified suppressor mutations functioned by reducing chromosomal instability rather than alleviating the negative effects of aneuploidy. Following the accumulation of suppressor point mutations, the number of beneficial aneuploidies decreased. These experiments demonstrate a time line of adaptation to high rates of CIN.

Recovery from spindle checkpoint-mediated arrest requires a novel Dnt1-dependent APC/C activation mechanism

The activated spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) potently inhibits the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) to ensure accurate chromosome segregation at anaphase. Early studies have recognized that the SAC should be silenced within minutes to enable rapid APC/C activation and synchronous segregation of chromosomes once all kinetochores are properly attached, but the underlying silencers are still being elucidated. Here, we report that the timely silencing of SAC in fission yeast requires dnt1+, which causes severe thiabendazole (TBZ) sensitivity and increased rate of lagging chromosomes when deleted. The absence of Dnt1 results in prolonged inhibitory binding of mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC) to APC/C and attenuated protein levels of Slp1Cdc20, consequently slows the degradation of cyclin B and securin, and eventually delays anaphase entry in cells released from SAC activation. Interestingly, Dnt1 physically associates with APC/C upon SAC activation. We propose that this association may fend off excessive and prolonged MCC binding to APC/C and help to maintain Slp1Cdc20 stability. This may allow a subset of APC/C to retain activity, which ensures rapid anaphase onset and mitotic exit once SAC is inactivated. Therefore, our study uncovered a new player in dictating the timing and efficacy of APC/C activation, which is actively required for maintaining cell viability upon recovery from the inhibition of APC/C by spindle checkpoint.

Mechanistic basis for Sgo1-mediated centromere localization and function of the CPC

Centromere association of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC; Borealin-Survivin-INCENP-Aurora B) and Sgo1 is crucial for chromosome biorientation, a process essential for error-free chromosome segregation. Phosphorylated histone H3 Thr3 (H3T3ph; directly recognized by Survivin) and histone H2A Thr120 (H2AT120ph; indirectly recognized via Sgo1), together with CPC’s intrinsic nucleosome-binding ability, facilitate CPC centromere recruitment. However, the molecular basis for CPC–Sgo1 binding and how their physical interaction influences CPC centromere localization are lacking. Here, using an integrative structure-function approach, we show that the “histone H3-like” Sgo1 N-terminal tail-Survivin BIR domain interaction acts as a hotspot essential for CPC–Sgo1 assembly, while downstream Sgo1 residues and Borealin contribute for high-affinity binding. Disrupting Sgo1–Survivin interaction abolished CPC–Sgo1 assembly and perturbed CPC centromere localization and function. Our findings reveal that Sgo1 and H3T3ph use the same surface on Survivin to bind CPC. Hence, it is likely that these interactions take place in a spatiotemporally restricted manner, providing a rationale for the Sgo1-mediated “kinetochore-proximal” CPC centromere pool.

Highway to hell-thy meiotic divisions: Chromosome passenger complex functions driven by microtubules: CPC interactions with both the chromosomes and microtubules are important for spindle assembly and function: CPC interactions with both the chromosomes and microtubules are important for spindle assembly and function

The chromosome passenger complex (CPC) localizes to chromosomes and microtubules, sometimes simultaneously. The CPC also has multiple domains for interacting with chromatin and microtubules. Interactions between the CPC and both the chromatin and microtubules is important for spindle assembly and error correction. Such dual chromatin-microtubule interactions may increase the concentration of the CPC necessary for efficient kinase activity while also making it responsive to specific conditions or structures in the cell. CPC-microtubule dependent functions are considered in the context of the first meiotic division. Acentrosomal spindle assembly is a process that depends on transfer of the CPC from the chromosomes to the microtubules. Furthermore, transfer to the microtubules is not only to position the CPC for a later role in cytokinesis; metaphase I error correction and subsequent bi-orientation of bivalents may depend on microtubule associated CPC interacting with the kinetochores.

Effects of post‐ovulatory aging on centromeric cohesin protection in murine MII oocytes

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Shugosin 2 is a biomarker for pathological grading and survival prediction in patients with gliomas

Glioblastomas are the most common type of adult primary brain neoplasms. Clinically, it is helpful to identify biomarkers to predict the survival of patients with gliomas due to its poor outcome. Shugoshin 2 (SGO2) is critical in cell division and cell cycle progression in eukaryotes. However, the association of SGO2 with pathological grading and survival in patients with gliomas remains unclear. We analyzed the association between SGO2 expression and clinical outcomes from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset profiles, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA). SGO2 mRNA and protein expression in normal brain tissue and glioma cell lines were investigated via quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot, and IHC staining. The roles of SGO2 in proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of GBM cells were studied with wound-healing assay, BrdU assay, cell cycle analysis, and JC-1 assay. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) was analyzed via Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING). SGO2 mRNA expression predicted higher grade gliomas than non-tumor brain tissues. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that patients with high-grade gliomas with a higher SGO2 expression had worse survival outcomes. SGO2 mRNA and protein expression were upper regulated in gliomas than in normal brain tissue. Inhibition of SGO2 suppressed cell proliferation and migration. Also, PPI result showed SGO2 to be a potential hub protein, which was related to the expression of AURKB and FOXM1. SGO2 expression positively correlates with WHO pathological grading and patient survival, suggesting that SGO2 is a biomarker that is predictive of disease progression in patients with gliomas.

Shugoshin ensures maintenance of the spindle assembly checkpoint response and efficient spindle disassembly

Shugoshin proteins are evolutionarily conserved across eukaryotes, with some species-specific cellular functions, ensuring the fidelity of chromosome segregation. They act as adaptors at various subcellular locales to mediate several protein-protein interactions in a spatio-temporal manner. Here, we characterize shugoshin (Sgo1) in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. We observe that Sgo1 retains its centromeric localization and performs its conserved functions of regulating the sister chromatid biorientation, centromeric condensin localization, and maintenance of chromosomal passenger complex (CPC). We identify novel roles of Sgo1 as a spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) component with functions in maintaining a prolonged SAC response by retaining Mad2 and Bub1 at the kinetochores in response to improper kinetochore-microtubule attachments. Strikingly, we discover the in vivo localization of Sgo1 along the length of the mitotic spindle. Our results indicate that Sgo1 performs a hitherto unknown function of facilitating timely disassembly of the mitotic spindle in C. albicans. To summarize, this study unravels a unique functional adaptation of shugoshin in maintaining genomic stability.

A highly conserved pocket on PP2A-B56 is required for hSgo1 binding and cohesion protection during mitosis

The shugoshin proteins are universal protectors of centromeric cohesin during mitosis and meiosis. The binding of human hSgo1 to the PP2A-B56 phosphatase through a coiled-coil (CC) region mediates cohesion protection during mitosis. Here we undertook a structure function analysis of the PP2A-B56-hSgo1 complex, revealing unanticipated aspects of complex formation and function. We establish that a highly conserved pocket on the B56 regulatory subunit is required for hSgo1 binding and cohesion protection during mitosis in human somatic cells. Consistent with this, we show that hSgo1 blocks the binding of PP2A-B56 substrates containing a canonical B56 binding motif. We find that PP2A-B56 bound to hSgo1 dephosphorylates Cdk1 sites on hSgo1 itself to modulate cohesin interactions. Collectively our work provides important insight into cohesion protection during mitosis.

Borealin directs recruitment of the CPC to oocyte chromosomes and movement to the microtubules

The chromosomes in the oocytes of many animals appear to promote bipolar spindle assembly. In Drosophila oocytes, spindle assembly requires the chromosome passenger complex (CPC), which consists of INCENP, Borealin, Survivin, and Aurora B. To determine what recruits the CPC to the chromosomes and its role in spindle assembly, we developed a strategy to manipulate the function and localization of INCENP, which is critical for recruiting the Aurora B kinase. We found that an interaction between Borealin and the chromatin is crucial for the recruitment of the CPC to the chromosomes and is sufficient to build kinetochores and recruit spindle microtubules. HP1 colocalizes with the CPC on the chromosomes and together they move to the spindle microtubules. We propose that the Borealin interaction with HP1 promotes the movement of the CPC from the chromosomes to the microtubules. In addition, within the central spindle, rather than at the centromeres, the CPC and HP1 are required for homologous chromosome bi-orientation.

Induction of spontaneous human neocentromere formation and long-term maturation

Human centromeres form primarily on α-satellite DNA but sporadically arise de novo at naive ectopic loci, creating neocentromeres. Centromere inheritance is driven primarily by chromatin containing the histone H3 variant CENP-A. Here, we report a chromosome engineering system for neocentromere formation in human cells and characterize the first experimentally induced human neocentromere at a naive locus. The spontaneously formed neocentromere spans a gene-poor 100-kb domain enriched in histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylated (H3K9me3). Long-read sequencing revealed this neocentromere was formed by purely epigenetic means and assembly of a functional kinetochore correlated with CENP-A seeding, eviction of H3K9me3 and local accumulation of mitotic cohesin and RNA polymerase II. At formation, the young neocentromere showed markedly reduced chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) occupancy and poor sister chromatin cohesion. However, long-term tracking revealed increased CPC assembly and low-level transcription providing evidence for centromere maturation over time.

A visual atlas of meiotic protein dynamics in living fission yeast

Meiosis is a carefully choreographed dynamic process that re-purposes proteins from somatic/vegetative cell division, as well as meiosis-specific factors, to carry out the differentiation and recombination pathway common to sexually reproducing eukaryotes. Studies of individual proteins from a variety of different experimental protocols can make it difficult to compare details between them. Using a consistent protocol in otherwise wild-type fission yeast cells, this report provides an atlas of dynamic protein behaviour of representative proteins at different stages during normal zygotic meiosis in fission yeast. This establishes common landmarks to facilitate comparison of different proteins and shows that initiation of S phase likely occurs prior to nuclear fusion/karyogamy.

The right place at the right time: Aurora B kinase localization to centromeres and kinetochores

The fidelity of chromosome segregation during mitosis is intimately linked to the function of kinetochores, which are large protein complexes assembled at sites of centromeric heterochromatin on mitotic chromosomes. These key "orchestrators" of mitosis physically connect chromosomes to spindle microtubules and transduce forces through these connections to congress chromosomes and silence the spindle assembly checkpoint. Kinetochore-microtubule attachments are highly regulated to ensure that incorrect attachments are not prematurely stabilized, but instead released and corrected. The kinase activity of the centromeric protein Aurora B is required for kinetochore-microtubule destabilization during mitosis, but how the kinase acts on outer kinetochore substrates to selectively destabilize immature and erroneous attachments remains debated. Here, we review recent literature that sheds light on how Aurora B kinase is recruited to both centromeres and kinetochores and discuss possible mechanisms for how kinase interactions with substrates at distinct regions of mitotic chromosomes are regulated.

Functioning mechanisms of Shugoshin-1 in centromeric cohesion during mitosis

Proper regulation of centromeric cohesion is required for faithful chromosome segregation that prevents chromosomal instability. Extensive studies have identified and established the conserved protein Shugoshin (Sgo1/2) as an essential protector for centromeric cohesion. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how Shugoshin-1 (Sgo1) protects centromeric cohesion at the molecular level. Targeting of Sgo1 to inner centromeres is required for its proper function of cohesion protection. We therefore discuss about the molecular mechanisms that install Sgo1 onto inner centromeres. At metaphase-to-anaphase transition, Sgo1 at inner centromeres needs to be disabled for the subsequent sister-chromatid segregation. A few recent studies suggest interesting models to explain how it is achieved. These models are discussed as well.

Differential requirement for Bub1 and Bub3 in regulation of meiotic versus mitotic chromosome segregation

Accurate chromosome segregation depends on the proper attachment of kinetochores to spindle microtubules before anaphase onset. The Ipl1/Aurora B kinase corrects improper attachments by phosphorylating kinetochore components and so releasing aberrant kinetochore–microtubule interactions. The localization of Ipl1 to kinetochores in budding yeast depends upon multiple pathways, including the Bub1–Bub3 pathway. We show here that in meiosis, Bub3 is crucial for correction of attachment errors. Depletion of Bub3 results in reduced levels of kinetochore-localized Ipl1 and concomitant massive chromosome missegregation caused by incorrect chromosome–spindle attachments. Depletion of Bub3 also results in shorter metaphase I and metaphase II due to premature localization of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) to kinetochores, which antagonizes Ipl1-mediated phosphorylation. We propose a new role for the Bub1–Bub3 pathway in maintaining the balance between kinetochore localization of Ipl1 and PP1, a balance that is essential for accurate meiotic chromosome segregation and timely anaphase onset.

Untangling the contribution of Haspin and Bub1 to Aurora B function during mitosis

Aurora B kinase is essential for faithful chromosome segregation during mitosis. During (pro)metaphase, Aurora B is concentrated at the inner centromere by the kinases Haspin and Bub1. However, how Haspin and Bub1 collaborate to control Aurora B activity at centromeres remains unclear. Here, we show that either Haspin or Bub1 activity is sufficient to recruit Aurora B to a distinct chromosomal locus. Moreover, we identified a small, Bub1 kinase–dependent Aurora B pool that supported faithful chromosome segregation in otherwise unchallenged cells. Joined inhibition of Haspin and Bub1 activities fully abolished Aurora B accumulation at centromeres. While this impaired the correction of erroneous KT–MT attachments, it did not compromise the mitotic checkpoint, nor the phosphorylation of the Aurora B kinetochore substrates Hec1, Dsn1, and Knl1. This suggests that Aurora B substrates at the kinetochore are not phosphorylated by centromere-localized pools of Aurora B, and calls for a reevaluation of the current spatial models for how tension affects Aurora B–dependent kinetochore phosphorylation.

Aurora B kinase is recruited to multiple discrete kinetochore and centromere regions in human cells

Aurora B kinase has a critical role in regulating attachments between kinetochores and spindle microtubules during mitosis. Early in mitosis, kinase activity at kinetochores is high to promote attachment turnover, and in later mitosis, activity decreases to ensure attachment stabilization. Aurora B localizes prominently to inner centromeres, and a population of the kinase is also detected at kinetochores. How Aurora B is recruited to and evicted from these regions to regulate kinetochore-microtubule attachments remains unclear. Here, we identified and investigated discrete populations of Aurora B at the centromere/kinetochore region. An inner centromere pool is recruited by Haspin phosphorylation of histone H3, and a kinetochore-proximal outer centromere pool is recruited by Bub1 phosphorylation of histone H2A. Finally, a third pool resides ~20 nm outside of the inner kinetochore protein CENP-C in early mitosis and does not require either the Bub1/pH2A/Sgo1 or Haspin/pH3 pathway for localization or activity. Our results suggest that distinct molecular pathways are responsible for Aurora B recruitment to centromeres and kinetochores.

Establishing correct kinetochore-microtubule attachments in mitosis and meiosis

Faithful chromosome segregation in mitosis and meiosis requires that chromosomes properly attach to spindle microtubules. Initial kinetochore-microtubule attachments are often incorrect and rely on error correction mechanisms to release improper attachments, allowing the formation of new attachments. Aurora B kinase and, in mammalian germ cells, Aurora C kinase function as the enzymatic component of the Chromosomal Passenger Complex (CPC), which localizes to the inner centromere/kinetochore and phosphorylates kinetochore proteins for microtubule release during error correction. In this review, we discuss recent findings of the molecular pathways that regulate the chromosomal localization of Aurora B and C kinases in human cell lines, mice, fission yeast, and budding yeast. We also discuss differences in the importance of localization pathways between mitosis and meiosis.

A Condensed View of the Chromosome Passenger Complex

The inner centromere is a region on the mitotic chromosome that serves as a platform for mitotic signaling and possesses unique biophysical properties that enable it to withstand relatively large pulling forces that are generated by kinetochores (KTs) during chromosome segregation. The chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) localizes to and is the key regulator of inner centromere organization and function during mitosis. Recently, we demonstrated that in addition to its kinase and histone code-reading activities, the CPC also can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and proposed that the inner centromere is a membraneless organelle scaffolded by the CPC. In this perspective, we explore mechanisms that can allow the formation and dissolution of this membraneless body. The cell-cycle-regulated spatially defined assembly and disassembly of the CPC condensate at the inner centromere can reveal general principles about how histone modifications control chromatin-bound membraneless organelles. We further explore how the ability of the CPC to undergo LLPS may contribute to the organization and function of the inner centromere during mitosis.

Killing two birds with one stone: how budding yeast Mps1 controls chromosome segregation and spindle assembly checkpoint through phosphorylation of a single kinetochore protein

During mitosis, the identical sister chromatids of each chromosome must attach through their kinetochores to microtubules emanating from opposite spindle poles. This process, referred to as chromosome biorientation, is essential for equal partitioning of the genetic information to the two daughter cells. Defects in chromosome biorientation can give rise to aneuploidy, a hallmark of cancer and genetic diseases. A conserved surveillance mechanism called spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) prevents the onset of anaphase until biorientation is attained. Key to chromosome biorientation is an error correction mechanism that allows kinetochores to establish proper bipolar attachments by disengaging faulty kinetochore-microtubule connections. Error correction relies on the Aurora B and Mps1 kinases that also promote SAC signaling, raising the possibility that they are part of a single sensory device responding to improper attachments and concomitantly controlling both their disengagement and a temporary mitotic arrest. In budding yeast, Aurora B and Mps1 promote error correction independently from one another, but while the substrates of Aurora B in this process are at least partially known, the mechanism underlying the involvement of Mps1 in the error correction pathway is unknown. Through the characterization of a novel mps1 mutant and an unbiased genetic screen for extragenic suppressors, we recently gained evidence that a common mechanism based on Mps1-dependent phosphorylation of the Knl1/Spc105 kinetochore scaffold and subsequent recruitment of the Bub1 kinase is critical for the function of Mps1 in chromosome biorientation as well as for SAC activation (Benzi et al. EMBO Rep, 2020).

The molecular chaperone Hsp90 regulates heterochromatin assembly through stabilizing multiple complexes in fission yeast

In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, both RNAi machinery and RNAi-independent factors mediate transcriptional and posttranscriptional silencing and heterochromatin formation. Here, we show that the silencing of reporter genes at major native heterochromatic loci (centromeres, telomeres, mating-type locus and rDNA regions) and an artificially induced heterochromatin locus is alleviated in a fission yeast hsp90 mutant, hsp90-G84C Also, H3K9me2 enrichment at heterochromatin regions, especially at the mating-type locus and subtelomeres, is compromised, suggesting heterochromatin assembly defects. We further discovered that Hsp90 is required for stabilization or assembly of the RNA-induced transcriptional silencing (RITS) and Argonaute siRNA chaperone (ARC) RNAi effector complexes, the RNAi-independent factor Fft3, the shelterin complex subunit Poz1 and the Snf2/HDAC-containing repressor complex (SHREC). Our ChIP data suggest that Hsp90 regulates the efficient recruitment of the methyltransferase/ubiquitin ligase complex CLRC by shelterin to chromosome ends and targeting of the SHREC and Fft3 to mating type locus and/or rDNA region. Finally, our genetic analyses demonstrated that increased heterochromatin spreading restores silencing at subtelomeres in the hsp90-G84C mutant. Thus, this work uncovers a conserved factor critical for promoting RNAi-dependent and -independent heterochromatin assembly and gene silencing through stabilizing multiple effectors and effector complexes.

Translesion synthesis polymerases contribute to meiotic chromosome segregation and cohesin dynamics in Schizosaccharomycespombe

Translesion synthesis polymerases (TLSPs) are non-essential error-prone enzymes that ensure cell survival by facilitating DNA replication in the presence of DNA damage. In addition to their role in bypassing lesions, TLSPs have been implicated in meiotic double-strand break repair in several systems. Here, we examine the joint contribution of four TLSPs to meiotic progression in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We observed a dramatic loss of spore viability in fission yeast lacking all four TLSPs, which is accompanied by disruptions in chromosome segregation during meiosis I and II. Rec8 cohesin dynamics are altered in the absence of the TLSPs. These data suggest that the TLSPs contribute to multiple aspects of meiotic chromosome dynamics.

A common molecular mechanism underlies the role of Mps1 in chromosome biorientation and the spindle assembly checkpoint

The Mps1 kinase corrects improper kinetochore-microtubule attachments, thereby ensuring chromosome biorientation. Yet, its critical phosphorylation targets in this process remain largely elusive. Mps1 also controls the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), which halts chromosome segregation until biorientation is attained. Its role in SAC activation is antagonised by the PP1 phosphatase and involves phosphorylation of the kinetochore scaffold Knl1/Spc105, which in turn recruits the Bub1 kinase to promote assembly of SAC effector complexes. A crucial question is whether error correction and SAC activation are part of a single or separable pathways. Here, we isolate and characterise a new yeast mutant, mps1-3, that is severely defective in chromosome biorientation and SAC signalling. Through an unbiased screen for extragenic suppressors, we found that mutations lowering PP1 levels at Spc105 or forced association of Bub1 with Spc105 reinstate both chromosome biorientation and SAC signalling in mps1-3 cells. Our data argue that a common mechanism based on Knl1/Spc105 phosphorylation is critical for Mps1 function in error correction and SAC signalling, thus supporting the idea that a single sensory apparatus simultaneously elicits both pathways.

A Kinase-Phosphatase Network that Regulates Kinetochore-Microtubule Attachments and the SAC

The KMN network (for KNL1, MIS12 and NDC80 complexes) is a hub for signalling at the outer kinetochore. It integrates the activities of two kinases (MPS1 and Aurora B) and two phosphatases (PP1 and PP2A-B56) to regulate kinetochore-microtubule attachments and the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). We will first discuss each of these enzymes separately, to describe how they are regulated at kinetochores and why this is important for their primary function in controlling either microtubule attachments or the SAC. We will then discuss why inhibiting any one of them individually produces secondary effects on all the others. This cross-talk may help to explain why all enzymes have been linked to both processes, even though the direct evidence suggests they each control only one. This chapter therefore describes how a network of kinases and phosphatases work together to regulate two key mitotic processes.

Bub1 kinase- and H2A phosphorylation-independent regulation of Shugoshin proteins under glucose-restricted conditions

Shugoshin family proteins are involved in various aspects of chromatin regulations, such as chromosome segregation, chromatin structure, and gene expression. In growing yeast and mammalian cells, C-terminal phosphorylation of histone H2A by Bub1 kinase is essential for the localization of Shugoshin proteins to chromatin. Here, we show that in stationary-phase cells, Bub1-mediated H2A phosphorylation is not necessary for chromatin localization of the Shugoshin paralog Sgo2 in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, or for Sgo2-dependent suppression of gene expression in subtelomeric regions. The conserved C-terminal basic domain of Sgo2, which directly binds with phosphorylated H2A, is also dispensable for the localization of Sgo2 to chromatin at stationary phase. Instead, we found that the conserved N-terminal coiled-coil domain and the uncharacterized medial region of Sgo2 are required for Bub1-independent localization of Sgo2. Moreover, Set2-mediated H3K36 methylation was important for the regulation. Intriguingly, the chromatin localization of Sgo2 in the absence of Bub1 was also observed when cells were grown in low-glucose medium. These findings suggest a novel mechanism between nutrient availability and regulation of chromatin by Shugoshin proteins.

Destabilization of spindle assembly checkpoint causes aneuploidy during meiosis II in murine post-ovulatory aged oocytes

Mammalian oocyte quality degrades over time after ovulation in vitro, which can cause fatal defects such as chromosomal aneuploidy. As various oocyte manipulations employed in assisted reproductive technology are time consuming, post-ovulatory aging is a serious problem to overcome in reproductive medicine or ova research. In this study, we investigated the effects of postovulatory aging on the incidence of chromosome aneuploidy during meiosis II, with a focus on the expression of functional proteins from the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). Chromosome analysis was used to assess the rate of aneuploidy in in vitro aged oocytes, or in early embryos derived from aged oocytes. Immunofluorescent staining was used to detect the localization of MAD2, which is a SAC signal that monitors the correct segregation of sister chromatids. Immunoblotting was used to quantify cohesin subunits, which are adhesion factors connecting sister chromatids at the metaphase II (MII) centromere. It was shown that post-ovulatory oocyte aging inhibits MAD2 localization to the sister kinetochore. Furthermore, oocyte aging prevented cohesin subunits from being maintained or degraded at the appropriate time. These data suggest that the destabilization of SAC signaling causes sister chromatid segregation errors in MII oocytes, and consequently increases the incidence of aneuploidy in early embryos. Our findings have provided distinct evidence that the post-ovulatory aging of oocytes might also be a risk factor for aneuploidy, irrespective of maternal age.

A positive feedback mechanism ensures proper assembly of the functional inner centromere during mitosis in human cells

The inner centromere region of a mitotic chromosome critically regulates sister chromatid cohesion and kinetochore-microtubule attachments. However, the molecular mechanism underlying inner centromere assembly remains elusive. Here, using CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing in HeLa cells, we disrupted the interaction of Shugoshin 1 (Sgo1) with histone H2A phosphorylated on Thr-120 (H2ApT120) to selectively release Sgo1 from mitotic centromeres. Interestingly, cells expressing the H2ApT120-binding defective mutant of Sgo1 have an elevated rate of chromosome missegregation accompanied by weakened centromeric cohesion and decreased centromere accumulation of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC), an integral part of the inner centromere and a key player in the correction of erroneous kinetochore-microtubule attachments. When artificially tethered to centromeres, a Sgo1 mutant defective in binding protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is not able to support proper centromeric cohesion and CPC accumulation, indicating that the Sgo1-PP2A interaction is essential for the integrity of mitotic centromeres. We further provide evidence indicating that Sgo1 protects centromeric cohesin to create a binding site for the histone H3-associated protein kinase Haspin, which not only inhibits the cohesin release factor Wapl and thereby strengthens centromeric cohesion but also phosphorylates histone H3 at Thr-3 to position CPC at inner centromeres. Taken together, our findings reveal a positive feedback-based mechanism that ensures proper assembly of the functional inner centromere during mitosis. They further suggest a causal link between centromeric cohesion defects and chromosomal instability in cancer cells.

A role for CENP-A/Cse4 phosphorylation on serine 33 in deposition at the centromere

Centromeres are the sites of assembly of the kinetochore, which connect the chromatids to the microtubules for sister chromatid segregation during cell division. Centromeres are characterized by the presence of the histone H3 variant CENP-A (termed Cse4 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Here, we investigated the function of serine 33 phosphorylation of Cse4 (Cse4-S33ph) in S. cerevisiae, which lies within the essential N-terminal domain (END) of the extended Cse4 N-terminus. Significantly, we identified histone H4-K5, 8, 12R to cause a temperature-sensitive growth defect with mutations in Cse4-S33 and sensitivity to nocodazole and hydroxyurea. Furthermore, the absence of Cse4-S33ph reduced the levels of Cse4 at centromeric sequences, suggesting that Cse4 deposition is defective in the absence of S33 phosphorylation. We furthermore identified synthetic genetic interactions with histone H2A-E57A and H2A-L66A, which both cause a reduced interaction with the histone chaperone FACT and reduced H2A/H2B levels in chromatin, again supporting the notion that a combined defect of H2A/H2B and Cse4 deposition causes centromeric defects. Altogether, our data highlight the importance of correct histone deposition in building a functional centromeric nucleosome and suggests a role for Cse4-S33ph in this process.

Aurora B kinase activity-dependent and -independent functions of the chromosomal passenger complex in regulating sister chromatid cohesion

The chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) is a master regulator of mitosis. CPC consists of inner centromere protein (INCENP), Survivin, Borealin, and the kinase Aurora B and plays key roles in regulating kinetochore-microtubule attachments and spindle assembly checkpoint signaling. However, the role of CPC in sister chromatid cohesion, mediated by the cohesin complex, remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that Aurora B kinase activity contributes to centromeric cohesion protection partly through promoting kinetochore localization of the kinase Bub1. Interestingly, disrupting the interaction of INCENP with heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) in HeLa cells selectively weakens cohesion at mitotic centromeres without detectably reducing the kinase activity of Aurora B. Thus, through this INCENP-HP1 interaction, the CPC also protects centromeric cohesion independently of Aurora B kinase activity. Moreover, the requirement for the INCENP-HP1 interaction in centromeric cohesion protection can be bypassed by tethering HP1 to centromeres or by depleting the cohesin release factor Wapl. We provide further evidence suggesting that the INCENP-HP1 interaction protects centromeric cohesion by promoting the centromere localization of Haspin, a protein kinase that antagonizes Wapl activity at centromeres. Taken together, this study identifies Aurora B kinase activity-dependent and -independent roles for the CPC in regulating centromeric cohesion during mitosis in human cells.

Shugoshin Is Essential for Meiotic Prophase Checkpoints in C. elegans

The conserved factor Shugoshin is dispensable in C. elegans for the two-step loss of sister chromatid cohesion that directs the proper segregation of meiotic chromosomes. We show that the C. elegans ortholog of Shugoshin, SGO-1, is required for checkpoint activity in meiotic prophase. This role in checkpoint function is similar to that of conserved proteins that structure meiotic chromosome axes. Indeed, null sgo-1 mutants exhibit additional phenotypes similar to that of a partial loss-of-function allele of the axis component, HTP-3: premature synaptonemal complex disassembly, the activation of alternate DNA repair pathways, and an inability to recruit a conserved effector of the DNA damage pathway, HUS-1. SGO-1 localizes to pre-meiotic nuclei when HTP-3 is present but not yet loaded onto chromosome axes and genetically interacts with a central component of the cohesin complex, SMC-3, suggesting that it contributes to meiotic chromosome metabolism early in meiosis by regulating cohesin. We propose that SGO-1 acts during pre-meiotic replication to ensure fully functional meiotic chromosome architecture, rendering these chromosomes competent for checkpoint activity and normal progression of meiotic recombination. Given that most research on Shugoshin has focused on its regulation of sister chromatid cohesion during chromosome segregation, this novel role may be conserved but previously uncharacterized in other organisms. Further, our findings expand the repertoire of Shugoshin's functions beyond coordinating regulatory activities at the centromere.

An interplay between Shugoshin and Spo13 for centromeric cohesin protection and sister kinetochore mono-orientation during meiosis I in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Meiosis is a specialized cell division process by which haploid gametes are produced from a diploid mother cell. Reductional chromosome segregation during meiosis I (MI) is achieved by two unique and conserved events: centromeric cohesin protection (CCP) and sister kinetochore mono-orientation (SKM). In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a meiosis-specific protein Spo13 plays a role in both these centromere-specific events. Despite genome-wide association of Spo13, we failed to detect its function in global processes such as cohesin loading, cohesion establishment and homologs pairing. While Shugoshin (Sgo1) and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2ARts1) play a central role in CCP, it is not fully understood whether Spo13 functions in the process through a Sgo1- PP2ARts1-dependent or -independent mechanism. To delineate this and to find the relative contribution of each of these proteins in CCP and SKM, we meticulously observed the sister chromatid segregation pattern in the wild type, sgo1Δ, rts1Δ and spo13Δ single mutants and in their respective double mutants. We found that Spo13 protects centromeric cohesin through a Sgo1- PP2ARts1-independent mechanism. To our surprise, we observed a hitherto unknown role of Sgo1 in SKM. Further investigation revealed that Sgo1-mediated recruitment of aurora kinase Ipl1 to the centromere facilitates monopolin loading at the kinetochore during MI. Hence, this study uncovers the role of Sgo1 in SKM and demonstartes how the regulators (Sgo1, PP2ARts1, Spo13) work in a coordinated manner to achieve faithful chromosome segregation during meiosis, the failure of which leads to aneuploidy and birth defects.

Aurora-PLK1 cascades as key signaling modules in the regulation of mitosis

Mitosis is controlled by reversible protein phosphorylation involving specific kinases and phosphatases. A handful of major mitotic protein kinases, such as the cyclin B-CDK1 complex, the Aurora kinases, and Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), cooperatively regulate distinct mitotic processes. Research has identified proteins and mechanisms that integrate these kinases into signaling cascades that guide essential mitotic events. These findings have important implications for our understanding of the mechanisms of mitotic regulation and may advance the development of novel antimitotic drugs. We review collected evidence that in vertebrates, the Aurora kinases serve as catalytic subunits of distinct complexes formed with the four scaffold proteins Bora, CEP192, INCENP, and TPX2, which we deem "core" Aurora cofactors. These complexes and the Aurora-PLK1 cascades organized by Bora, CEP192, and INCENP control crucial aspects of mitosis and all pathways of spindle assembly. We compare the mechanisms of Aurora activation in relation to the different spindle assembly pathways and draw a functional analogy between the CEP192 complex and the chromosomal passenger complex that may reflect the coevolution of centrosomes, kinetochores, and the actomyosin cleavage apparatus. We also analyze the roles and mechanisms of Aurora-PLK1 signaling in the cell and centrosome cycles and in the DNA damage response.

Kinase and Phosphatase Cross-Talk at the Kinetochore

Multiple kinases and phosphatases act on the kinetochore to control chromosome segregation: Aurora B, Mps1, Bub1, Plk1, Cdk1, PP1, and PP2A-B56, have all been shown to regulate both kinetochore-microtubule attachments and the spindle assembly checkpoint. Given that so many kinases and phosphatases converge onto two key mitotic processes, it is perhaps not surprising to learn that they are, quite literally, entangled in cross-talk. Inhibition of any one of these enzymes produces secondary effects on all the others, which results in a complicated picture that is very difficult to interpret. This review aims to clarify this picture by first collating the direct effects of each enzyme into one overarching schematic of regulation at the Knl1/Mis12/Ndc80 (KMN) network (a major signaling hub at the outer kinetochore). This schematic will then be used to discuss the implications of the cross-talk that connects these enzymes; both in terms of why it may be needed to produce the right type of kinetochore signals and why it nevertheless complicates our interpretations about which enzymes control what processes. Finally, some general experimental approaches will be discussed that could help to characterize kinetochore signaling by dissociating the direct from indirect effect of kinase or phosphatase inhibition in vivo. Together, this review should provide a framework to help understand how a network of kinases and phosphatases cooperate to regulate two key mitotic processes.

Malonylation of histone H2A at lysine 119 inhibits Bub1-dependent H2A phosphorylation and chromosomal localization of shugoshin proteins

Post-translational modifications of histones, such as acetylation and phosphorylation, are highly conserved in eukaryotes and their combination enables precise regulation of many cellular functions. Recent studies using mass spectrometry have revealed various non-acetyl acylations in histones, including malonylation and succinylation, which change the positive charge of lysine into a negative one. However, the molecular function of histone malonylation or succinylation is poorly understood. Here, we discovered the functions of malonylation in histone H2A at lysine 119 (H2A-K119) in chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis. Analyses of H2A-K119 mutants in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe showed that anionic mutations, specifically to aspartate (K119D) and glutamate (K119E), showed mis-segregation of the chromosomes and sensitivity to microtubule-destabilizing reagents in mitosis and meiosis. We found that the chromosomal localization of shugoshin proteins, which depends on Bub1-catalyzed phosphorylation of H2A at serine 121 (H2A-S121), was significantly reduced in the H2A-K119D and the H2A-K119E mutants. Biochemical analyses using K119-unmodified or -malonylated H2A-C-tail peptides showed that H2A-K119 malonylation inhibited the interaction between Bub1 and H2A, leading to a decrease in Bub1-dependent H2A-S121 phosphorylation. Our results indicate a novel crosstalk between lysine malonylation and serine/threonine phosphorylation, which may be important for fine-tuning chromatin functions such as chromosome segregation.

A fine balancing act: A delicate kinase-phosphatase equilibrium that protects against chromosomal instability and cancer

Cancer cells rewire signalling networks to acquire specific hallmarks needed for their proliferation, survival, and dissemination throughout the body. Although this is often associated with the constitutive activation or inactivation of protein phosphorylation networks, there are other contexts when the dysregulation must be much milder. For example, chromosomal instability is a widespread cancer hallmark that relies on subtle defects in chromosome replication and/or division, such that these processes remain functional, but nevertheless error-prone. In this article, we will discuss how perturbations to the delicate kinase-phosphatase balance could lie at the heart of this type of dysregulation. In particular, we will explain how the two principle mechanisms that safeguard the chromosome segregation process rely on an equilibrium between at least two kinases and two phosphatases to function correctly. This balance is set during mitosis by a central complex that has also been implicated in chromosomal instability - the BUB1/BUBR1/BUB3 complex - and we will put forward a hypothesis that could link these two findings. This could be relevant for cancer treatment because most tumours have evolved by pushing the boundaries of chromosomal instability to the limit. If this involves subtle changes to the kinase-phosphatase equilibrium, then it may be possible to exacerbate these defects and tip tumour cells over the edge, whilst still maintaining the viability of healthy cells.

F-box proteins Pof3 and Pof1 regulate Wee1 degradation and mitotic entry in fission yeast

The key cyclin-dependent kinase Cdk1 (Cdc2) promotes irreversible mitotic entry, mainly by activating the phosphatase Cdc25 while suppressing the tyrosine kinase Wee1. Wee1 needs to be downregulated at the onset of mitosis to ensure rapid activation of Cdk1. In human somatic cells, one mechanism of suppressing Wee1 activity is mediated by ubiquitylation-dependent proteolysis through the Skp1/Cul1/F-box protein (SCF) ubiquitin E3 ligase complex. This mechanism is believed to be conserved from yeasts to humans. So far, the best-characterized human F-box proteins involved in recognition of Wee1 are β-TrCP (BTRCP) and Tome-1 (CDCA3). Although fission yeast Wee1 was the first identified member of its conserved kinase family, the F-box proteins involved in recognition and ubiquitylation of Wee1 have not been identified in this organism. In this study, our screen using Wee1-Renilla luciferase as the reporter revealed that two F-box proteins, Pof1 and Pof3, are required for downregulating Wee1 and are possibly responsible for recruiting Wee1 to SCF. Our genetic analyses supported a functional relevance between Pof1 and Pof3 and the rate of mitotic entry, and Pof3 might play a major role in this process.

Symmetry from Asymmetry or Asymmetry from Symmetry?

The processes of DNA replication and mitosis allow the genetic information of a cell to be copied and transferred reliably to its daughter cells. However, if DNA replication and cell division were always performed in a symmetric manner, the result would be a cluster of tumor cells instead of a multicellular organism. Therefore, gaining a complete understanding of any complex living organism depends on learning how cells become different while faithfully maintaining the same genetic material. It is well recognized that the distinct epigenetic information contained in each cell type defines its unique gene expression program. Nevertheless, how epigenetic information contained in the parental cell is either maintained or changed in the daughter cells remains largely unknown. During the asymmetric cell division (ACD) of Drosophila male germline stem cells, our previous work revealed that preexisting histones are selectively retained in the renewed stem cell daughter, whereas newly synthesized histones are enriched in the differentiating daughter cell. We also found that randomized inheritance of preexisting histones versus newly synthesized histones results in both stem cell loss and progenitor germ cell tumor phenotypes, suggesting that programmed histone inheritance is a key epigenetic player for cells to either remember or reset cell fates. Here, we will discuss these findings in the context of current knowledge on DNA replication, polarized mitotic machinery, and ACD for both animal development and tissue homeostasis. We will also speculate on some potential mechanisms underlying asymmetric histone inheritance, which may be used in other biological events to achieve the asymmetric cell fates.

Chromosome passenger complex is required for the survival of cells with ring chromosomes in fission yeast

Ring chromosomes are circular chromosomal abnormalities that have been reported in association with some genetic disorders and cancers. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, lack of function of protection of telomere 1 (Pot1) or telomerase catalytic subunit (Trt1) results in survivors with circular chromosomes. Hitherto, it is poorly understood how cells with circular chromosomes survive and how circular chromosomes are maintained. Fission yeast Cut17/Bir1, Ark1, Pic1, and Nbl1 is a conserved chromosome passenger complex (CPC) functioning mainly throughout mitosis. Here, using a temperature-sensitive mutant of CPC subunits, we determined that CPC is synthetically lethal in combination with either Pot1 or Trt1. The pot1Δ pic1-T269 double mutant, which has circular chromosomes, showed a high percentage of chromosome mis-segregation and DNA damage foci at 33°C. We furthermore found that neither Shugoshin Sgo2 nor heterochromatin protein Swi6, which contribute to the centromeric localization of CPC, were required for the survival in the absence of Pot1. Both the pot1Δ sgo2Δ and pot1Δ swi6Δ double mutants displayed a high percentage of DNA damage foci, but a low percentage of chromosome mis-segregation, suggesting the link between the high percentage of chromosome mis-segregation and the lethality of the CPC pot1Δ double mutant. Our results suggest that CPC is required for the survival of cells with circular chromosomes and sheds light on the possible roles of CPC in the maintenance of circular chromosomes.

Budding yeast CENP-ACse4 interacts with the N-terminus of Sgo1 and regulates its association with centromeric chromatin

Shugoshin is an evolutionarily conserved protein, which is involved in tension sensing on mitotic chromosomes, kinetochore biorientation, and protection of centromeric (CEN) cohesin for faithful chromosome segregation. Interaction of the C-terminus of Sgo1 with phosphorylated histone H2A regulates its association with CEN and pericentromeric (peri-CEN) chromatin, whereas mutations in histone H3 selectively compromise the association of Sgo1 with peri-CEN but not CEN chromatin. Given that histone H3 is absent from CEN and is replaced by a histone H3 variant CENP-A^Cse4, we investigated if CENP-A^Cse4 interacts with Sgo1 and promotes its association with the CEN chromatin. In this study, we found that Sgo1 interacts with CENP-A^Cse4 in vivo and in vitro. The N-terminus coiled-coil domain of Sgo1 without the C-terminus (sgo1-NT) is sufficient for its interaction with CENP-A^Cse4, association with CEN but not the peri-CEN, and this CEN association is cell cycle dependent with maximum enrichment in mitosis. In agreement with the role of CENP-A^Cse4 in CEN maintenance of Sgo1, depletion of CENP-A^Cse4 results in the loss of Sgo1 and sgo1-NT from the CEN chromatin. The N-terminus of Sgo1 is required for genome stability as a mutant lacking the N-terminus (sgo1-CT) exhibits increased chromosome missegregation when compared to a sgo1-NT mutant. In summary, our results define a novel role for the N-terminus of Sgo1 in CENP-A^Cse4 mediated recruitment of Sgo1 to CEN chromatin for faithful chromosome segregation.

Antibody Pull-Down Experiments in Fission Yeast

Proteins act as executors for almost all kinds of cellular processes. The majority of proteins achieve their proper functions through interacting with other proteins. Knowing the binding partners of a protein is instrumental for understanding its function. The antibody pull-down method is a powerful and common approach to detect protein-protein interactions. Here, an antibody pull-down protocol is described for detecting protein-protein interactions in fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

Module-based systematic construction of plasmids for episomal gene expression in fission yeast

The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is a powerful model organism for cell biology and molecular biology, as genetic manipulation is easily achieved. Introduction of exogenous genes cloned in episomal plasmids into yeast cells can be done through well-established transformation methods. For expression of genes in S. pombe cells, the multi-copy plasmid pREP1 and its derivatives, including pREP41 and pREP81, have been widely used as vectors. Although recent advancement of technology brought a number of useful genetic elements such as new promoters, selection marker genes and fluorescent protein tags, introduction of those elements into conventional pREP1 requires a large commitment of both time and effort because cloning procedures need to be repeated until the final products are constructed. Here, we introduce materials and methods to construct many pREP1-type plasmids easily and systematically using the Golden Gate shuffling method, which enables one-step ligation of many DNA fragments into a plasmid. These materials and methods support creation of expression plasmids employing a variety of novel genetic elements, which will further facilitate genetic studies using S. pombe.

The Ins and Outs of Aurora B Inner Centromere Localization

Error-free chromosome segregation is essential for the maintenance of genomic integrity during cell division. Aurora B, the enzymatic subunit of the Chromosomal Passenger Complex (CPC), plays a crucial role in this process. In early mitosis Aurora B localizes predominantly to the inner centromere, a specialized region of chromatin that lies at the crossroads between the inter-kinetochore and inter-sister chromatid axes. Two evolutionarily conserved histone kinases, Haspin and Bub1, control the positioning of the CPC at the inner centromere and this location is thought to be crucial for the CPC to function. However, recent studies sketch a subtler picture, in which not all functions of the CPC require strict confinement to the inner centromere. In this review we discuss the molecular pathways that direct Aurora B to the inner centromere and deliberate if and why this specific localization is important for Aurora B function.

Multiple Duties for Spindle Assembly Checkpoint Kinases in Meiosis

Cell division in mitosis and meiosis is governed by evolutionary highly conserved protein kinases and phosphatases, controlling the timely execution of key events such as nuclear envelope breakdown, spindle assembly, chromosome attachment to the spindle and chromosome segregation, and cell cycle exit. In mitosis, the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) controls the proper attachment to and alignment of chromosomes on the spindle. The SAC detects errors and induces a cell cycle arrest in metaphase, preventing chromatid separation. Once all chromosomes are properly attached, the SAC-dependent arrest is relieved and chromatids separate evenly into daughter cells. The signaling cascade leading to checkpoint arrest depends on several protein kinases that are conserved from yeast to man. In meiosis, haploid cells containing new genetic combinations are generated from a diploid cell through two specialized cell divisions. Though apparently less robust, SAC control also exists in meiosis. Recently, it has emerged that SAC kinases have additional roles in executing accurate chromosome segregation during the meiotic divisions. Here, we summarize the main differences between mitotic and meiotic cell divisions, and explain why meiotic divisions pose special challenges for correct chromosome segregation. The less-known meiotic roles of the SAC kinases are described, with a focus on two model systems: yeast and mouse oocytes. The meiotic roles of the canonical checkpoint kinases Bub1, Mps1, the pseudokinase BubR1 (Mad3), and Aurora B and C (Ipl1) will be discussed. Insights into the molecular signaling pathways that bring about the special chromosome segregation pattern during meiosis will help us understand why human oocytes are so frequently aneuploid.