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Related Experiment Videos

The structure and function of SMC and kleisin complexes.

Kim Nasmyth1, Christian H Haering

  • 1Institute of Molecular Pathology, A-1030 Vienna, Austria. knasmyth@imp.univie.ac.at

Annual Review of Biochemistry
|June 15, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) complexes, including cohesin and condensin, are vital for accurate chromosome segregation. This review details their discovery and recent mechanistic insights into their function in cell division.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Protein complexes featuring structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) and kleisin subunits are essential for chromosome segregation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
  • Cohesin and condensin are key SMC complexes involved in holding sister chromatids together and organizing mitotic chromosomes, respectively.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the discovery of SMC complexes.
  • To discuss recent advances in understanding the mechanistic functions of SMC proteins.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on SMC complexes.
  • Analysis of functional roles of cohesin and condensin in chromosome dynamics.

Main Results:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Cohesin ensures sister chromatid cohesion for proper mitotic spindle attachment.
  • Separase-mediated cleavage of cohesin's kleisin subunit initiates anaphase sister chromatid separation.
  • Condensin organizes chromosomes to prevent tangling during segregation.

    • Conclusions:

    • SMC complexes are ancient and fundamental to cell proliferation.
    • Continued research is uncovering the intricate mechanisms by which these complexes function.