Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

Using Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) to Monitor the State of Arm Cohesion in Prometaphase and Metaphase I Drosophila Oocytes
Published on: December 6, 2017
Cohesin: functions beyond sister chromatid cohesion
Gunjan D Mehta1, Ravinder Kumar, Sanjeeva Srivastava
1Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Wadhwani Research Centre for Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India.
Cohesin protein complexes ensure accurate chromosome segregation during cell division. Beyond sister chromatid cohesion, cohesin regulates DNA repair and transcription, with malfunctions linked to human diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Faithful chromosome segregation is vital for cell division (mitosis and meiosis).
- Cohesin, a protein complex, is essential for holding sister chromatids together.
- Recent research reveals cohesin's diverse roles beyond sister chromatid cohesion (SCC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore cohesin functions independent of or dependent on its canonical SCC role.
- To discuss human diseases linked to cohesin dysfunction, even with normal SCC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of existing research on cohesin functions.
- Focus on studies investigating cohesin's non-canonical roles.
- Examination of genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying cohesin-related diseases.
Main Results:
- Cohesin participates in transcription regulation, DNA repair, chromosome condensation, and homolog pairing.
- These functions can be independent of or rely on cohesin's role in SCC.
- Specific human diseases are associated with cohesin malfunctions, often without apparent SCC defects.
Conclusions:
- Cohesin possesses multifaceted roles critical for genome stability and cellular processes.
- Understanding these diverse functions is key to comprehending cohesinopathies.
- Further research into cohesin's non-canonical functions may reveal new therapeutic targets.
Related Concept Videos
Cohesins
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 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...
Condensins
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
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...
Separation of Sister Chromatids
At the onset of anaphase, separase, a proteolytic enzyme, is...
Separation of Sister Chromatids
At the onset of anaphase, separase, a proteolytic enzyme, is...

