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Updated: May 30, 2026

08:52
Chemical Dimerization-Induced Protein Condensates on Telomeres
Published on: April 12, 2021
Chromosome segregation: monopolin attracts condensin.
Andrej Dudas1, Silvia Polakova, Juraj Gregan
1Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
Current Biology : CB
|August 23, 2011
Summary
The cell prevents merotely, a chromosome segregation error, through cooperation between Pcs1/Mde4 and condensin complexes. This partnership is crucial for accurate chromosome distribution during cell division.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Proper chromosome segregation is vital for cell division.
- Merotely, where a kinetochore attaches to both spindle poles, is a critical error.
- The molecular mechanisms preventing merotely are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Pcs1/Mde4 and condensin complexes in preventing merotely.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying error correction in chromosome segregation.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing genetic and biochemical approaches in a model organism.
- Analyzing kinetochore-microtubule attachments and chromosome segregation fidelity.
- Investigating the interaction between Pcs1/Mde4 and condensin.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a cooperative mechanism between Pcs1/Mde4 and condensin complexes.
- This cooperation is essential for preventing merotely.
- The study identifies key players in maintaining chromosome segregation accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Pcs1/Mde4 and condensin complexes work together to prevent merotely.
- This cooperative function is critical for accurate chromosome segregation.
- Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into genomic stability.
Related Concept Videos
Condensins
Condensins are large protein complexes that use ATP to fuel the assembly of chromosomes during mitosis. They transform the tangled, shapeless mass of post-interphase DNA into individualized chromosomes by compacting, organizing, and segregating chromosomal DNA.
The plant and animal cells contain two types of condensin complexes—condensin I and condensin II. Both complexes have five subunits: two SMC (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes) subunits, a kleisin subunit, and two HEAT-repeat...
The plant and animal cells contain two types of condensin complexes—condensin I and condensin II. Both complexes have five subunits: two SMC (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes) subunits, a kleisin subunit, and two HEAT-repeat...
Condensins
Condensins are large protein complexes that use ATP to fuel the assembly of chromosomes during mitosis. They transform the tangled, shapeless mass of post-interphase DNA into individualized chromosomes by compacting, organizing, and segregating chromosomal DNA.
The plant and animal cells contain two types of condensin complexes—condensin I and condensin II. Both complexes have five subunits: two SMC (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes) subunits, a kleisin subunit, and two HEAT-repeat...
The plant and animal cells contain two types of condensin complexes—condensin I and condensin II. Both complexes have five subunits: two SMC (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes) subunits, a kleisin subunit, and two HEAT-repeat...
Forces Acting on Chromosomes
During mitosis, chromosome movements occur through the interplay of multiple piconewton level forces. In prometaphase, these forces help in chromosome assembly or congression at the equatorial plane, eventually leading to their alignment at the metaphase plate. The forces acting on the chromosomes are space and time-dependent; therefore, they vary with the position of the chromosomes as the cell progresses through mitosis.
Microtubules and motor proteins exert two types of forces on...
Microtubules and motor proteins exert two types of forces on...
Forces Acting on Chromosomes
During mitosis, chromosome movements occur through the interplay of multiple piconewton level forces. In prometaphase, these forces help in chromosome assembly or congression at the equatorial plane, eventually leading to their alignment at the metaphase plate. The forces acting on the chromosomes are space and time-dependent; therefore, they vary with the position of the chromosomes as the cell progresses through mitosis.
Microtubules and motor proteins exert two types of forces on...
Microtubules and motor proteins exert two types of forces on...
Cohesins
Cohesin protein complexes are a molecular glue that holds two sister chromatids together. They play an important role both in mitosis and meiosis. In mitosis, all cohesin complexes present on the chromosomes are removed before the start of the anaphase stage.
Cohesin complexes in Meiotic Division
Meiosis involves two distinct rounds of chromosomal segregation and cell divisions— Meiosis I followed by Meiosis II – producing four daughter cells. Meiosis I includes the separation of homologous...
Cohesin complexes in Meiotic Division
Meiosis involves two distinct rounds of chromosomal segregation and cell divisions— Meiosis I followed by Meiosis II – producing four daughter cells. Meiosis I includes the separation of homologous...
Cohesins
Cohesin protein complexes are a molecular glue that holds two sister chromatids together. They play an important role both in mitosis and meiosis. In mitosis, all cohesin complexes present on the chromosomes are removed before the start of the anaphase stage.
Cohesin complexes in Meiotic Division
Meiosis involves two distinct rounds of chromosomal segregation and cell divisions— Meiosis I followed by Meiosis II – producing four daughter cells. Meiosis I includes the separation of homologous...
Cohesin complexes in Meiotic Division
Meiosis involves two distinct rounds of chromosomal segregation and cell divisions— Meiosis I followed by Meiosis II – producing four daughter cells. Meiosis I includes the separation of homologous...

