A field guide to the Mps1 family of protein kinases

Cell cycle events must be faithfully executed and properly integrated to ensure genetic stability. The Mps1 family of protein kinases has recently emerged as a critical regulator of genetic stability, because they regulate several processes central to mitotic fidelity. The spindle checkpoint monitors alignment of mitotic chromosomes, and centrosomes control cell cycle entry, mitotic spindle assembly, and cytokinesis. Several studies have shown that vertebrate orthologues of budding yeast Mps1p regulate the spindle checkpoint. More recently it has been demonstrated that human Mps1 is also required for centrosome duplication, normal mitotic progression, and cytokinesis.