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Published on: May 10, 2022
Ringing the changes: emerging roles for DASH at the kinetochore-microtubule Interface
Graham J Buttrick1, Jonathan B A Millar
1Division of Biomedical Cell Biology, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK. g.j.buttrick@warwick.ac.uk
Summary
The DASH complex in yeast is crucial for linking chromosomes to the mitotic spindle during cell division. This review explores its role in ensuring accurate chromosome segregation by forming stable kinetochore-microtubule attachments.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Kinetochore-spindle interactions are vital for accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis.
- The DASH complex is a key component of the outer kinetochore in yeast.
- Understanding kinetochore-microtubule attachments is critical for cell division fidelity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the function of the DASH complex in yeast.
- To discuss the implications of DASH function for kinetochore-microtubule attachments.
- To highlight recent advances in understanding the DASH complex's role.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies of DASH complex structure and microtubule interactions.
- In vivo localization and functional analysis of DASH in yeast models (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe).
- Review of existing literature on kinetochore-microtubule dynamics.
Main Results:
- DASH complex forms oligomeric structures (patches and rings) capable of load-bearing attachments.
- DASH localizes to the kinetochore and is essential for correct spindle-chromosome attachments in yeast.
- Recent research elucidates DASH's role in a dynamic kinetochore-microtubule interface.
Conclusions:
- The DASH complex is indispensable for maintaining stable kinetochore-microtubule attachments during chromosome segregation.
- DASH's function provides insights into conserved mechanisms of chromosome attachment in eukaryotes.
- Further research on DASH will refine our understanding of the kinetochore-microtubule interface.
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