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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
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Use of Time-Lapse Microscopy and Stage-Specific Nuclear Depletion of Proteins to Study Meiosis in S. cerevisiae
Published on: October 11, 2022
An interdependent Cbf1-CCAN interaction stabilizes the budding yeast kinetochore
Sabrine Hedouin1,2, Changkun Hu1,2, Sue Biggins1,2
1Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109.
Summary
The yeast transcription factor Cbf1 is crucial for chromosome segregation by promoting kinetochore assembly and stability. This dual role ensures proper cell division and prevents errors.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Chromosome segregation relies on kinetochore assembly at centromeric DNA.
- The kinetochore is a large protein complex with incompletely understood functions.
- Yeast transcription factor Cbf1 binds centromeric DNA and is implicated in chromosome missegregation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanism of Cbf1's role in chromosome segregation.
- To investigate Cbf1's function beyond its previously identified transcriptional roadblock activity.
- To determine how Cbf1 contributes to kinetochore assembly and stability.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and in vivo assays to assess kinetochore assembly.
- Analysis of the Cbf1-Okp1 interaction interface.
- Investigating the interdependence between Cbf1 and inner kinetochore components.
Main Results:
- Cbf1 actively promotes inner kinetochore assembly.
- Cbf1's assembly function is dependent on its interaction with Okp1.
- Stable centromere association of Cbf1 requires inner kinetochore interaction, highlighting interdependence.
Conclusions:
- Cbf1 acts as a centromere-hub, linking transcriptional regulation to kinetochore assembly and stability.
- Cbf1's dual function in transcriptional roadblocking and kinetochore assembly is essential for accurate chromosome segregation.
- The interaction between Cbf1 and the inner kinetochore is critical for maintaining kinetochore integrity.
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