Bayesian data driven modelling of kinetochore dynamics: Space-time organisation of the human metaphase plate

Author summary Cell division segregates newly duplicated chromosomes into two daughter cells. This is a mechanical process orchestrated by the mitotic spindle, a self-assembling molecular machine comp...

Open Access: Humanization reveals pervasive incompatibility of yeast and human kinetochore components

G3 | January 2024 | Vol. 14, Iss. 1 Humanization reveals pervasive incompatibility of yeast and human kinetochore components Guðjón Ólafsson, Max A.B. Haase, Jef D. Boeke Ólafsson et al. show that CENP-A or yeast–human chimeras cannot replace Cse4p, even in the context of human histones, suggesting that human CENP-A can be incorporated into budding yeast chromatin but does not support native kinetochore function. The authors highlight differences between the centromeres and kinetochores of h...

How cells accurately assemble complex machinery

Proteins are the workhorses of the cell, carrying out functions to keep everything running smoothly. Some proteins work on their own, but in other cases many proteins assemble together to create a complex machine. These proteins are able to do more working cooperatively than they could alone, the same way a single motor is powerful but not nearly as useful as a motor combined with other parts to make a car.

Dumont Lab

Pulling its weight: Team identifies protein key to chromosome movement during cell division

During cell division, chromosomes, i.e., molecules containing our genetic material, must be properly replicated and segregated so that each daughter cell receives a complete and accurate set. Now, in an article published in Molecular Cell, a team led by researchers at Osaka University have identified a protein central to this critical process.