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Updated: Feb 22, 2026

Combining Mitotic Cell Synchronization and High Resolution Confocal Microscopy to Study the Role of Multifunctional Cell Cycle Proteins During Mitosis
08:33

Combining Mitotic Cell Synchronization and High Resolution Confocal Microscopy to Study the Role of Multifunctional Cell Cycle Proteins During Mitosis

Published on: December 5, 2017

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The mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC): looking back and forth after 15 years

Song-Tao Liu1, Hang Zhang1

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, 2801 West Bancroft St., Toledo, OH 43606, USA.

AIMS Molecular Science
|September 19, 2017
PubMed

Insights

The mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC) ensures accurate chromosome segregation by inhibiting the Anaphase Promoting Complex/Cyclosome (APC/C). Recent structural models clarify MCC:APC/C interactions, resolving long-standing questions about MCC function and regulation.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The mitotic checkpoint is crucial for accurate chromosome segregation during cell division.
  • It functions by forming the mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC), which inhibits the Anaphase Promoting Complex/Cyclosome (APC/C).
  • Despite extensive research, ambiguities persist regarding MCC composition, assembly, inhibition, and disassembly mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify misconceptions surrounding the mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC).
  • To synthesize current understanding of MCC structure, function, and dynamics.
  • To present a refined model for MCC regulation of CDC20 ubiquitination.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
  • Analysis of recently published structural models of MCC:APC/C supra-complexes.
  • Critical evaluation of debated concepts and misconceptions in the field.

Main Results:

  • Recent high-resolution structural data provide insights into MCC:APC/C interactions.
  • A clearer picture of MCC composition, assembly, and inhibitory mechanisms is emerging.
  • Synthesized model addresses regulation of CDC20 ubiquitination by the MCC.

Conclusions:

  • Recent structural studies have significantly advanced our understanding of the mitotic checkpoint.
  • Addressing remaining misconceptions is vital for clear comprehension of MCC function.
  • Future research should focus on refining MCC dynamics and regulation, with careful consideration of existing data.
Keywords:
BUBR1CDC20MAD2anaphase promoting complex/cyclosomechromosome segregationmitotic checkpointmitotic checkpoint complexubiquitin ligase

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