"Uno, nessuno e centomila": the different faces of the budding yeast kinetochore

"One, no one and one hundred thousand" is a masterpiece of Italian literature, written by Luigi Pirandello. The central theme is that in each individual there are multiple personalities, since one's perception of one's self differs from the view of others. As a consequence, a unique identity does not exist, but rather one hundred thousand. This concept can be very well applied to the kinetochore, one of the largest macromolecular complexes conserved in eukaryotes. The kinetochore is essential during cell division and fulfills different sophisticated functions, including linking chromosomes to spindle microtubules and delaying anaphase onset in case of incorrect bi-orientation. In order to perform these tasks, the kinetochore shapes its structure by recruiting different subunits, such as the components of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) or the monopolin complex during meiosis. It also modifies its internal organization by rearranging intramolecular connections and acquiring a distinct identity at different time points of cell division. In this review, we describe recent insights into the changes in composition and configuration of the kinetochore in mitosis and meiosis, focusing on the kinetochore of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.