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Kinetochore components recognized by human autoantibodies are present on mononucleosomes
Molecular and Cellular Biology
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Researchers identified persistent kinetochore components in cell nuclei using a new assay. These pre-kinetochore elements bind tightly to mononucleosome chromatin, potentially acting as a substitute for standard histone proteins.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Kinetochores are crucial for chromosome segregation during cell division.
- Autoimmune antibodies, like human CREST scleroderma antibodies, can target nuclear components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a quantitative assay for solubilized kinetochore components.
- To investigate the presence and nature of interphase kinetochore elements.
Main Methods:
- Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using human CREST antibodies.
- Immunofluorescence microscopy to detect pre-kinetochore foci.
- Biochemical and direct binding assays on nuclear extracts.
Main Results:
- A quantitative assay for kinetochore components was successfully developed.
- Interphase pre-kinetochore components were detected in rat liver and chicken erythrocyte nuclei.
- These components are tightly associated with mononucleosome-sized chromatin.
Conclusions:
- Kinetochore-specific chromosomal antigens are present on chromatin.
- These antigens may substitute for standard mononucleosome components like histone H1.
- The findings suggest methods for isolating kinetochore-specific DNA sequences.