A chromosome separation checkpoint

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Helder Maiato (Author) FMUP; Afonso, O (Author) Other; Matos, I (Author) Other

Journal

Title: BioEssays

Vol. 37

Pages: 257-266

ISSN: 0265-9247

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 19 Citations

Scopus - 19 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00A-9GX

DOI: 10.1002/bies.201400140

Abstract (EN): Here we discuss a chromosome separation checkpoint that might regulate the anaphase-telophase transition. The concept of cell cycle checkpoints was originally proposed to account for extrinsic control mechanisms that ensure the order of cell cycle events. Several checkpoints have been shown to regulate major cell cycle transitions, namely at G1-S and G2-M. At the onset of mitosis, the prophase-prometaphase transition is controlled by several potential checkpoints, including the antephase checkpoint, while the spindle assembly checkpoint guards the metaphase-anaphase transition. Our hypothesis is based on the recently uncovered feedback control mechanism that delays chromosome decondensation and nuclear envelope reassembly until effective separation of sister chromatids during anaphase is achieved. A central player in this potential checkpoint is the establishment of a constitutive, midzone-based Aurora B phosphorylation gradient that monitors the position of chromosomes along the spindle axis. We propose that this surveillance mechanism represents an additional step towards ensuring mitotic fidelity.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10