The role of centromere-binding factor 3 (CBF3) in spindle stability, cytokinesis, and kinetochore attachment

Biochem Cell Biol. 2005 Dec;83(6):696-702. doi: 10.1139/o05-161.

Abstract

The spindle midzone is critical for spindle stability and cytokinesis. Chromosomal passenger proteins relocalize from chromosomes to the spindle midzone after anaphase onset. The recent localization of the inner-kinetochore, centromere-binding factor 3 (CBF3) complex to the spindle midzone in budding yeast has led to the discovery of novel functions for this complex in addition to its essential role at kinetochores. In G1/S cells, CBF3 components are detected along dynamic microtubules, where they can "search-and-capture" newly replicated centromeres. During anaphase, CBF3 is transported to the microtubule plus-ends of the spindle midzone. Consistent with this localization, cells containing a mutation in the CBF3 subunit Ndc10p show defects in spindle stability during anaphase. In addition, ndc10-1 cells show defects during cytokinesis, resulting in a defect in cell abscission. These results highlight the importance of midzone-targeted proteins in coordinating mitosis with cell division. Here we discuss these findings and explore the significance of CBF3 transport to microtubule plus-ends at the spindle midzone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Cycle
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism
  • Cytokinesis / physiology*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / physiology*
  • Kinetochores / physiology*
  • Mitosis
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / physiology
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / physiology*
  • Spindle Apparatus / chemistry
  • Spindle Apparatus / metabolism*

Substances

  • CBF2 protein, S cerevisiae
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins