Chromosome misalignment is associated with PLK1 activity at cenexin-positive mitotic centrosomes

Erica G. Colicino, Katrina Stevens, Erin Curtis, Lindsay Rathbun, Michael Bates, Julie Manikas, Jeffrey Amack, Judy Freshour, Heidi Hehnly

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

The mitotic kinase, polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), facilitates the assembly of the two mitotic spindle poles, which are required for the formation of the microtubule-based spindle that ensures appropriate chromosome distribution into the two forming daughter cells. Spindle poles are asymmetric in composition. One spindle pole contains the oldest mitotic centriole, the mother centriole, where the majority of cenexin, the mother centriole appendage protein and PLK1 binding partner, resides. We hypothesized that PLK1 activity is greater at the cenexin-positive older spindle pole. Our studies found that PLK1 asymmetrically localizes between spindle poles under conditions of chromosome misalignment, and chromosomes tend to misalign toward the oldest spindle pole in a cenexin- and PLK1-dependent manner. During chromosome misalignment, PLK1 activity is increased specifically at the oldest spindle pole, and this increase in activity is lost in cenexin-depleted cells. We propose a model where PLK1 activity elevates in response to misaligned chromosomes at the oldest spindle pole during metaphase.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1598-1609
Number of pages12
JournalMolecular biology of the cell
Volume30
Issue number13
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 15 2019

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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