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Structure and function of the centromere and inner kinetochore

delete2026-08-03
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PRE
AI
R
Rachel R. Brown
P
Pim J. Huis in ’t Veld
A
Arianna Esposito Verza *
A
Aaron F. Straight *
DOI:10.1038/s41580-026-00989-7delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Accurate chromosome segregation in eukaryotic cells ensures that each daughter cell receives the same chromosome complement during cell division. Key to this process is the kinetochore, a macromolecular complex that connects spindle microtubules to the chromosome. The kinetochore is composed of a diverse array of proteins that can be broadly separated into an inner and outer kinetochore. Each chromosome also contains a distinct site that specifies the location of kinetochore formation, the centromere, which in many species is epigenetically defined by the specialized histone H3 variant centromere protein A (CENP-A). In this Review, we discuss recent advances in determining the complete structure and function of the inner kinetochore, as well as the sequence and 2D and 3D organization of centromeric chromatin. We discuss the implications of these recent advances for our understanding of the assembly and function of the inner kinetochore. We refer readers to a complementary review published in the same issue for a discussion on the structure and function of the outer kinetochore. Finally, we outline key questions persisting in the field driving future studies of the kinetochore and centromere. The kinetochore is a macromolecular complex that assembles on centromeric chromatin and connects spindle microtubules to the chromosome. This Review discusses recent advances in determining the organization of centromeric chromatin and the complete structure and function of the inner kinetochore, which are crucial for accurate chromosome segregation.

Journal

N
Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology
IF:
90.2
Papers:
4.1K
Citations:
7.3W

Organization

M
Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology
Scholars:
76
Papers: 32
Citations: 1.4K
S
stanford university
Scholars:
9.3K
Papers: 3.7K
Citations: 0
V
vienna biocenter
Scholars:
163
Papers: 41
Citations: 0
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