The kinetochore component HCP-1 forms cytoplasmic granules in the Caenorhabditis elegans germline

The kinetochore is a multiprotein complex that assembles on centromeric chromatin and serves as the attachment site for spindle microtubules, thereby ensuring accurate chromosome segregation during cell division. Here, we present evidence that the kinetochore component HCP-1 forms distinct cytoplasmic foci in the Caenorhabditis elegans germline. Prior to cell division, HCP-1 localizes to the nuclear envelope of germ nuclei and forms granules that are distinct from germ granules. Upon mitotic entry, perinuclear HCP-1 is imported into the nucleus to facilitate chromosome segregation. We further show that HCP-1 associates with nuclear pore proteins (NPPs). Loss of NPP-14 disperses perinuclear HCP-1, impairs its nuclear import and leads to defects in embryonic spindle assembly. Together, these findings provide new insights into the spatial regulation of HCP-1 and highlight a role for nuclear pore components in coordinating kinetochore assembly.