Ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis of KNL2 driven by APC/CCDC20 is critical for centromere integrity and mitotic fidelity.

Kinetochores are large protein complexes that serve as attachment sites for spindle microtubules, ensuring proper chromosome segregation during cell division. KINETOCHORE NULL2 (αKNL2) is a key kinetochore protein required for the incorporation of the centromeric histone variant CENH3. The precise regulation of αKNL2 levels is crucial, but the molecular mechanisms controlling this process remain largely unexplored.

The role of centromeric repeats and transcripts in kinetochore assembly and function.

Centromeres are the chromosomal domains, where the kinetochore protein complex is formed, mediating proper segregation of chromosomes during cell division. Although the function of centromeres has remained conserved during evolution, centromeric DNA is highly variable, even in closely related species. In addition, the composition of the kinetochore complexes varies among organisms.