Late mitotic functions of Aurora kinases

The coordination between late mitotic events such as poleward chromosome motion, spindle elongation, DNA decondensation, and nuclear envelope reformation (NER) is crucial for the completion of chromosome segregation at the anaphase-telophase transition. Mitotic exit is driven by a decrease of Cdk1 kinase activity and an increase of PP1/PP2A phosphatase activities. More recently, Aurora kinases have also emerged as master regulators of late mitotic events and cytokinesis. Aurora A is mainly associated with spindle poles throughout mitosis and midbody during telophase, whereas Aurora B re-localizes from centromeres in early mitosis to the spindle midzone and midbody as cells progress from anaphase to the completion of cytokinesis. Functional studies, together with the identification of a phosphorylation gradient during anaphase, established Aurora B as a major player in the organization of the spindle midzone and in the spatiotemporal coordination between chromosome segregation and NER. Aurora A has been less explored, but a cooperative role in spindle midzone stability has also been proposed, implying that both Aurora A and B contribute to accurate chromosome segregation during mitotic exit. Here, we review the roles of the Aurora kinases in the regulation of late mitotic events and discuss how they work together with other mitotic players to ensure an error-free mitosis.     

Cdc14 and condensin control the dissolution of cohesin-independent chromosome linkages at repeated DNA

Chromosome segregation is triggered by the cleavage of cohesins by separase. Here we show that in budding yeast separation of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and telomeres also requires Cdc14, a protein phosphatase known for its role in mitotic exit. Cdc14 shares this role with the FEAR network, which activates Cdc14 during early anaphase, but not the mitotic exit network, which promotes Cdc14 activity during late anaphase. We further show that CDC14 is necessary and sufficient to promote condensin enrichment at the rDNA locus and to trigger rDNA segregation in a condensin-dependent manner. We propose that Cdc14 released by the FEAR network mediates the partitioning of rDNA by facilitating the localization of condensin thereto. This dual role of the FEAR network in initiating mitotic exit and promoting chromosome segregation ensures that exit from mitosis is coupled to the completion of chromosome segregation.     

A stochastic model of kinetochore-microtubule attachment accurately describes fission yeast chromosome segregation

In fission yeast, erroneous attachments of spindle microtubules to kinetochores are frequent in early mitosis. Most are corrected before anaphase onset by a mechanism involving the protein kinase Aurora B, which destabilizes kinetochore microtubules (ktMTs) in the absence of tension between sister chromatids. In this paper, we describe a minimal mathematical model of fission yeast chromosome segregation based on the stochastic attachment and detachment of ktMTs. The model accurately reproduces the timing of correct chromosome biorientation and segregation seen in fission yeast. Prevention of attachment defects requires both appropriate kinetochore orientation and an Aurora B-like activity. The model also reproduces abnormal chromosome segregation behavior (caused by, for example, inhibition of Aurora B). It predicts that, in metaphase, merotelic attachment is prevented by a kinetochore orientation effect and corrected by an Aurora B-like activity, whereas in anaphase, it is corrected through unbalanced forces applied to the kinetochore. These unbalanced forces are sufficient to prevent aneuploidy.     

Aurora A and Aurora B jointly coordinate chromosome segregation and anaphase microtubule dynamics

We established a conditional deletion of Aurora A kinase (AurA) in Cdk1 analogue-sensitive DT40 cells to analyze AurA knockout phenotypes after Cdk1 activation. In the absence of AurA, cells form bipolar spindles but fail to properly align their chromosomes and exit mitosis with segregation errors. The resulting daughter cells exhibit a variety of phenotypes and are highly aneuploid. Aurora B kinase (AurB)-inhibited cells show a similar chromosome alignment problem and cytokinesis defects, resulting in binucleate daughter cells. Conversely, cells lacking AurA and AurB activity exit mitosis without anaphase, forming polyploid daughter cells with a single nucleus. Strikingly, inhibition of both AurA and AurB results in a failure to depolymerize spindle microtubules (MTs) in anaphase after Cdk1 inactivation. These results suggest an essential combined function of AurA and AurB in chromosome segregation and anaphase MT dynamics.     

Condensins I and II are essential for construction of bivalent chromosomes in mouse oocytes

In many eukaryotes, condensins I and II associate with chromosomes in an ordered fashion during mitosis and play nonoverlapping functions in their assembly and segregation. Here we report for the first time the spatiotemporal dynamics and functions of the two condensin complexes during meiotic divisions in mouse oocytes. At the germinal vesicle stage (prophase I), condensin I is present in the cytoplasm, whereas condensin II is localized within the nucleus. After germinal vesicle breakdown, condensin II starts to associate with chromosomes and becomes concentrated onto chromatid axes of bivalent chromosomes by metaphase I. REC8 "glues" chromosome arms along their lengths. In striking contrast to condensin II, condensin I localizes primarily around centromeric regions at metaphase I and starts to associate stably with chromosome arms only after anaphase I. Antibody injection experiments show that condensin functions are required for many aspects of meiotic chromosome dynamics, including chromosome individualization, resolution, and segregation. We propose that the two condensin complexes play distinctive roles in constructing bivalent chromosomes: condensin II might play a primary role in resolving sister chromatid axes, whereas condensin I might contribute to monopolar attachment of sister kinetochores, possibly by assembling a unique centromeric structure underneath.     

Drosophila aurora B kinase is required for histone H3 phosphorylation and condensin recruitment during chromosome condensation and to organize the central spindle during cytokinesis

Aurora/Ipl1-related kinases are a conserved family of enzymes that have multiple functions during mitotic progression. Although it has been possible to use conventional genetic analysis to dissect the function of aurora, the founding family member in Drosophila (Glover, D.M., M.H. Leibowitz, D.A. McLean, and H. Parry. 1995. Cell. 81:95-105), the lack of mutations in a second aurora-like kinase gene, aurora B, precluded this approach. We now show that depleting Aurora B kinase using double-stranded RNA interference in cultured Drosophila cells results in polyploidy. aurora B encodes a passenger protein that associates first with condensing chromatin, concentrates at centromeres, and then relocates onto the central spindle at anaphase. Cells depleted of the Aurora B kinase show only partial chromosome condensation at mitosis. This is associated with a reduction in levels of the serine 10 phosphorylated form of histone H3 and a failure to recruit the Barren condensin protein onto chromosomes. These defects are associated with abnormal segregation resulting from lagging chromatids and extensive chromatin bridging at anaphase, similar to the phenotype of barren mutants (Bhat, M.A., A.V. Philp, D.M. Glover, and H.J. Bellen. 1996. Cell. 87:1103-1114.). The majority of treated cells also fail to undertake cytokinesis and show a reduced density of microtubules in the central region of the spindle. This is accompanied by a failure to correctly localize the Pavarotti kinesin-like protein, essential for this process. We discuss these conserved functions of Aurora B kinase in chromosome transmission and cytokinesis.     

Condensin and Repo-Man-PP1 co-operate in the regulation of chromosome architecture during mitosis

The reversible condensation of chromosomes during cell division remains a classic problem in cell biology. Condensation requires the condensin complex in certain experimental systems, but not in many others. Anaphase chromosome segregation almost always fails in condensin-depleted cells, leading to the formation of prominent chromatin bridges and cytokinesis failure. Here, live-cell analysis of chicken DT40 cells bearing a conditional knockout of condensin subunit SMC2 revealed that condensin-depleted chromosomes abruptly lose their compact architecture during anaphase and form massive chromatin bridges. The compact chromosome structure can be preserved and anaphase chromosome segregation rescued by preventing the targeting subunit Repo-Man from recruiting protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) to chromatin at anaphase onset. This study identifies an activity critical for mitotic chromosome structure that is inactivated by Repo-Man-PP1 during anaphase. This activity, provisionally termed 'regulator of chromosome architecture' (RCA), cooperates with condensin to preserve the characteristic chromosome architecture during mitosis.     

The condensin complex is required for proper spindle assembly and chromosome segregation in Xenopus egg extracts

Chromosome condensation is required for the physical resolution and segregation of sister chromatids during cell division, but the precise role of higher order chromatin structure in mitotic chromosome functions is unclear. Here, we address the role of the major condensation machinery, the condensin complex, in spindle assembly and function in Xenopus laevis egg extracts. Immunodepletion of condensin inhibited microtubule growth and organization around chromosomes, reducing the percentage of sperm nuclei capable of forming spindles, and causing dramatic defects in anaphase chromosome segregation. Although the motor CENP-E was recruited to kinetochores pulled poleward during anaphase, the disorganized chromosome mass was not resolved. Inhibition of condensin function during anaphase also inhibited chromosome segregation, indicating its continuous requirement. Spindle assembly around DNA-coated beads in the absence of kinetochores was also impaired upon condensin inhibition. These results support an important role for condensin in establishing chromosomal architecture necessary for proper spindle assembly and chromosome segregation.     

Sgo1 Regulates Both Condensin and Ipl1/Aurora B to Promote Chromosome Biorientation

Correct chromosome segregation is essential in order to prevent aneuploidy. To segregate sister chromatids equally to daughter cells, the sisters must attach to microtubules emanating from opposite spindle poles. This so-called biorientation manifests itself by increased tension and conformational changes across kinetochores and pericentric chromatin. Tensionless attachments are dissolved by the activity of the conserved mitotic kinase Aurora B/Ipl1, thereby promoting the formation of correctly attached chromosomes. Recruitment of the conserved centromeric protein shugoshin is essential for biorientation, but its exact role has been enigmatic. Here, we identify a novel function of shugoshin (Sgo1 in budding yeast) that together with the protein phosphatase PP2A-Rts1 ensures localization of condensin to the centromeric chromatin in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Failure to recruit condensin results in an abnormal conformation of the pericentric region and impairs the correction of tensionless chromosome attachments. Moreover, we found that shugoshin is required for maintaining Aurora B/Ipl1 localization on kinetochores during metaphase. Thus, shugoshin has a dual function in promoting biorientation in budding yeast: first, by its ability to facilitate condensin recruitment it modulates the conformation of the pericentric chromatin. Second, shugoshin contributes to the maintenance of Aurora B/Ipl1 at the kinetochore during gradual establishment of bipolarity in budding yeast mitosis. Our findings identify shugoshin as a versatile molecular adaptor that governs chromosome biorientation.     

Smc5-Smc6 Complex Preserves Nucleolar Integrity in S. cerevisiae

As a baton in a relay race, intact genomes need to be smoothly passed onto daughter cells every cell generation. Cohesin and condensin are multiprotein complexes involved in chromosome segregation during mitosis, they perform the crucial function of organizing and compacting chromosomes into pairs to facilitate their equal distribution in anaphase. Both complexes share a core of similar origin, containing a heterodimer formed by members of the conserved chromosomal ATPase family named Smc. A third complex containing Smc proteins at its core, the Smc5-Smc6 complex, previously known to be involved in DNA repair has recently been shown to contribute to chromosome segregation during anaphase. Smc5-Smc6 plays a role in the disjunction of repetitive regions. Here, we present results further supporting the importance of Smc5-Smc6 in maintaining the integrity of the repetitive ribosomal DNA (rDNA) locus, the largest repetitive region of the budding yeast genome.     

Condensin-dependent rDNA decatenation introduces a temporal pattern to chromosome segregation

The chromosomal condensin complex gives metaphase chromosomes structural stability. In addition, condensin is required for sister-chromatid resolution during their segregation in anaphase [1-7]. How condensin promotes chromosome resolution is poorly understood. Chromosome segregation during anaphase also fails after inactivation of topoisomerase II (topo II), the enzyme that removes catenation between sister chromatids left behind after completion of DNA replication [8, 9]. This has led to the proposal that condensin promotes DNA decatenation [3, 10, 11], but direct evidence for this is missing and alternative roles for condensin in chromosome resolution have been suggested [12-14]. Using the budding-yeast rDNA as a model, we now show that anaphase bridges in a condensin mutant are resolved by ectopic expression of a foreign (Chlorella virus) but not endogenous topo II. This suggests that catenation prevents sister-rDNA segregation but that yeast topo II is ineffective in decatenating the locus without condensin. Condensin and topo II colocalize along both rDNA and euchromatin, consistent with coordination of their activities. We investigate the physiological consequences of condensin-dependent rDNA decatenation and find that late decatenation determines the late segregation timing of this locus during anaphase. Regulation of decatenation therefore provides a means to fine tune the segregation timing of chromosomes in mitosis.     

Aurora B couples chromosome alignment with anaphase by targeting BubR1, Mad2, and Cenp-E to kinetochores

The Aurora/Ipl1 family of protein kinases plays multiple roles in mitosis and cytokinesis. Here, we describe ZM447439, a novel selective Aurora kinase inhibitor. Cells treated with ZM447439 progress through interphase, enter mitosis normally, and assemble bipolar spindles. However, chromosome alignment, segregation, and cytokinesis all fail. Despite the presence of maloriented chromosomes, ZM447439-treated cells exit mitosis with normal kinetics, indicating that the spindle checkpoint is compromised. Indeed, ZM447439 prevents mitotic arrest after exposure to paclitaxel. RNA interference experiments suggest that these phenotypes are due to inhibition of Aurora B, not Aurora A or some other kinase. In the absence of Aurora B function, kinetochore localization of the spindle checkpoint components BubR1, Mad2, and Cenp-E is diminished. Furthermore, inhibition of Aurora B kinase activity prevents the rebinding of BubR1 to metaphase kinetochores after a reduction in centromeric tension. Aurora B kinase activity is also required for phosphorylation of BubR1 on entry into mitosis. Finally, we show that BubR1 is not only required for spindle checkpoint function, but is also required for chromosome alignment. Together, these results suggest that by targeting checkpoint proteins to kinetochores, Aurora B couples chromosome alignment with anaphase onset.     

Ajuba: a new microtubule-associated protein that interacts with BUBR1 and Aurora B at kinetochores in metaphase

Background information. The role of the LIM‐domain‐containing protein Ajuba was initially described in cell adhesion and migration processes and recently in mitosis as an activator of the Aurora A kinase. Results. In the present study, we show that Ajuba localizes to centrosomes and kinetochores during mitosis. This localization is microtubule‐dependent and Ajuba binds microtubules in vitro. A microtubule regrowth assay showed that Ajuba follows nascent microtubules from centrosomes to kinetochores. Owing to its contribution to mitotic commitment and its microtubule‐dependent localization, Ajuba could also play a role during the metaphase—anaphase transition. We show that Ajuba interacts with Aurora B and BUBR1 [BUB (budding uninhibited by benomyl)‐related 1], two major components of the mitotic checkpoint. Inhibition of BUBR1 by siRNA (small interfering RNA) disrupts chromosome alignment at the metaphase plate and modifies Ajuba localization due to premature mitotic exit. Conclusions. Ajuba is a microtubule‐associated protein that collaborates with Aurora B and BUBR1 at the metaphase—anaphase transition and this may be important to ensure proper chromosome segregation.     

Diverse mitotic and interphase functions of condensins in Drosophila

The condensin complex has been implicated in the higher-order organization of mitotic chromosomes in a host of model eukaryotes from yeasts to flies and vertebrates. Although chromosomes paradoxically appear to condense in condensin mutants, chromatids are not properly resolved, resulting in chromosome segregation defects during anaphase. We have examined the role of different condensin complex components in interphase chromatin function by examining the effects of various condensin mutations on position-effect variegation in Drosophila melanogaster. Surprisingly, most mutations affecting condensin proteins were often found to result in strong enhancement of variegation in contrast to what might be expected for proteins believed to compact the genome. This suggests either that the role of condensin proteins in interphase differs from their expected role in mitosis or that the way we envision condensin's activity needs to be modified to accommodate alternative possibilities.     

Chromosome condensation factor Brn1p is required for chromatid separation in mitosis

This work describes BRN1, the budding yeast homologue of Drosophila Barren and Xenopus condensin subunit XCAP-H. The Drosophila protein is required for proper chromosome segregation in mitosis, and Xenopus protein functions in mitotic chromosome condensation. Mutant brn1 cells show a defect in mitotic chromosome condensation and sister chromatid separation and segregation in anaphase. Chromatid cohesion before anaphase is properly maintained in the mutants. Some brn1 mutant cells apparently arrest in S-phase, pointing to a possible function for Brn1p at this stage of the cell cycle. Brn1p is a nuclear protein with a nonuniform distribution pattern, and its level is up-regulated at mitosis. Temperature-sensitive mutations of BRN1 can be suppressed by overexpression of a novel gene YCG1, which is homologous to another Xenopus condensin subunit, XCAP-G. Overexpression of SMC2, a gene necessary for chromosome condensation, and a homologue of the XCAP-E condensin, does not suppress brn1, pointing to functional specialization of components of the condensin complex.     

Cdc14p/FEAR Pathway Controls Segregation of Nucleolus in S. cerevisiae by Facilitating Condensin Targeting to rDNA Chromatin in Anaphase

The condensin complex is the chief molecular machine of mitotic chromosome condensation. Nucleolar concentration of condensin in mitosis was previously shown to correlate with proficiency of rDNA condensation and segregation. To uncover the mechanisms facilitating this targeting we conducted a screen for mutants that impair mitotic condensin congression to the nucleolus. Mutants in the cdc14, esp1 and cdc5 genes, which encode FEAR-network components, showed the most prominent defects in mitotic condensin localization. We established that Cdc14p activity released by the FEAR pathway was required for proper condensin-to-rDNA targeting in anaphase. The MEN pathway was dispensable for condensin-to-rDNA targeting, however MEN-mediated release of Cdc14p later in anaphase allowed for proper, albeit delayed, condensin targeting to rDNA and successful segregation of nucleolus in the slk19 FEAR mutant. Although condensin was physically dislodged from rDNA in the cdc14 mutant, it was properly assembled, phosphorylated and chromatin-bound, suggesting that condensin was mistargeted but active. This study identifies a novel pathway promoting condensin targeting to a specific chromosomal address, the rDNA locus.     

Chk2 prevents mitotic exit when the majority of kinetochores are unattached

The spindle checkpoint delays exit from mitosis in cells with spindle defects. In this paper, we show that Chk2 is required to delay anaphase onset when microtubules are completely depolymerized but not in the presence of relatively few unattached kinetochores. Mitotic exit in Chk2-deficient cells correlates with reduced levels of Mps1 protein and increased Cdk1–tyrosine 15 inhibitory phosphorylation. Chk2 localizes to kinetochores and is also required for Aurora B–serine 331 phosphorylation in nocodazole or unperturbed early prometaphase. Serine 331 phosphorylation contributed to prometaphase accumulation in nocodazole after partial Mps1 inhibition and was required for spindle checkpoint establishment at the beginning of mitosis. In addition, expression of a phosphomimetic S331E mutant Aurora B rescued chromosome alignment or segregation in Chk2-deficient cells. We propose that Chk2 stabilizes Mps1 and phosphorylates Aurora B–serine 331 to prevent mitotic exit when most kinetochores are unattached. These results highlight mechanisms of an essential function of Chk2 in mitosis.     

Cdc14 phosphatase resolves the rDNA segregation delay

Sister chromatid segregation in anaphase of mitosis is initiated through cleavage of cohesin by the protease separase. Two studies now show that this view is valid for most chromosomal DNA, but not for the highly repetitive ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and telomeres. The disjunction of these regions of the chromosome occurs in mid-anaphase, long after cohesin cleavage, and is regulated by the conserved phosphatase Cdc14.     

SMC5 and SMC6 genes are required for the segregation of repetitive chromosome regions

Structure chromosome (SMC) proteins organize the core of cohesin, condensin and Smc5-Smc6 complexes. The Smc5-Smc6 complex is required for DNA repair, as well as having another essential but enigmatic function. Here, we generated conditional mutants of SMC5 and SMC6 in budding yeast, in which the essential function was affected. We show that mutant smc5-6 and smc6-9 cells undergo an aberrant mitosis in which chromosome segregation of repetitive regions is impaired; this leads to DNA damage and RAD9-dependent activation of the Rad53 protein kinase. Consistent with a requirement for the segregation of repetitive regions, Smc5 and Smc6 proteins are enriched at ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and at some telomeres. We show that, following Smc5-Smc6 inactivation, metaphase-arrested cells show increased levels of X-shaped DNA (Holliday junctions) at the rDNA locus. Furthermore, deletion of RAD52 partially suppresses the temperature sensitivity of smc5-6 and smc6-9 mutants. We also present evidence showing that the rDNA segregation defects of smc5/smc6 mutants are mechanistically different from those previously observed for condensin mutants. These results point towards a role for the Smc5-Smc6 complex in preventing the formation of sister chromatid junctions, thereby ensuring the correct partitioning of chromosomes during anaphase.     

Inhibitor-3 ensures bipolar mitotic spindle attachment by limiting association of SDS22 with kinetochore-bound protein phosphatase-1

Faithful chromosome segregation during mitosis is tightly regulated by opposing activities of Aurora B kinase and protein phosphatase-1 (PP1). PP1 function at kinetochores has been linked to SDS22, but the exact localization of SDS22 and how it affects PP1 are controversial. Here, we confirm that SDS22 is required for PP1 activity, but show that SDS22 does not normally localize to kinetochores. Instead, SDS22 is kept in solution by formation of a ternary complex with PP1 and inhibitor-3 (I3). Depletion of I3 does not affect the amount of PP1 at kinetochores but causes quantitative association of SDS22 with PP1 on KNL1 at the kinetochore. Such accumulation of SDS22 at kinetochores interferes with PP1 activity and inhibits Aurora B threonine-232 dephosphorylation, which leads to increased Aurora B activity in metaphase and persistence in anaphase accompanied with segregation defects. We propose a model in which I3 regulates an SDS22-mediated PP1 activation step in solution that precedes SDS22 dissociation and transfer of PP1 to kinetochores, and which is required for PP1 to efficiently antagonize Aurora B.