The kinase activity of aurora B is required for kinetochore-microtubule interactions during mitosis

As a component of the "chromosomal passenger protein complex," the aurora B kinase is associated with centromeres during prometaphase and with midzone microtubules during anaphase and is required for both mitosis and cytokinesis. Ablation of aurora B causes defects in both prometaphase chr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current biology 2002-06, Vol.12 (11), p.894-899
Main Authors: Murata-Hori, Maki, Wang, Yu-li
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Aurora Kinase B
Aurora Kinases
Cell Line
Fluorescent Antibody Technique
Green Fluorescent Proteins
Kinetochores - physiology
Luminescent Proteins - metabolism
Microinjections
Microtubules - physiology
Mitosis - physiology
Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases - metabolism
Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases - physiology
Rats
Recombinant Fusion Proteins - metabolism
Transfection
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Summary:As a component of the "chromosomal passenger protein complex," the aurora B kinase is associated with centromeres during prometaphase and with midzone microtubules during anaphase and is required for both mitosis and cytokinesis. Ablation of aurora B causes defects in both prometaphase chromosomal congression and the spindle checkpoint; however, the mechanisms underlying these defects are unclear. To address this question, we have examined chromosomal movement, spindle organization, and microtubule motor distribution in NRK cells transfected with a kinase-inactive, dominant-negative mutant of aurora B, aurora B(K-R). In cells overexpressing aurora B(K-R) fused with GFP, centromeres moved in a synchronized and predominantly unidirectional manner, as opposed to the independent, bidirectional movement in control cells expressing a similar level of wild-type aurora B-GFP. In addition, most kinetochores became physically separated from spindle microtubules, which appeared as a striking bundle between the spindle poles. These defects were associated with a microtubule-dependent depletion of motor proteins dynein and CENP-E from kinetochores. Our observations suggest that aurora B regulates the association of motor proteins with kinetochores during prometaphase. Interactions of kinetochore motors with microtubules may in turn regulate the organization of microtubules, the movement of prometaphase chromosomes, and the release of the spindle checkpoint.
ISSN:0960-9822
DOI:10.1016/s0960-9822(02)00848-5