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CENP-E initiates chromosome congression by opposing Aurora kinases to promote end-on attachments

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  • Kruno Vukušić

    (Ruđer Bošković Institute)

  • Iva M. Tolić

    (Ruđer Bošković Institute)

Abstract

Accurate cell division relies on rapid chromosome congression. The kinetochore motor protein CENP-E/kinesin-7 is uniquely required for congression of polar chromosomes. It is currently assumed that CENP-E drives congression by gliding kinetochores along microtubules independently of their biorientation. Here, by studying chromosome movement under different levels of CENP-E activity, we favor an alternative model in which CENP-E initiates congression by promoting stabilization of end-on attachments. In this way, CENP-E accelerates congression initiation without significantly contributing to subsequent movement. Stabilization of end-on attachments on polar chromosomes without CENP-E is delayed due to Aurora kinase-mediated hyperphosphorylation of microtubule-binding proteins and expansion of the fibrous corona. CENP-E counters this by reducing Aurora B-mediated phosphorylation in a BubR1-dependent manner, thereby stabilizing initial end-on attachments, facilitating removal of the fibrous corona, and triggering biorientation-dependent chromosome movement. These findings support a unified model of chromosome movement in which congression is intrinsically coupled to biorientation.

Suggested Citation

  • Kruno Vukušić & Iva M. Tolić, 2025. "CENP-E initiates chromosome congression by opposing Aurora kinases to promote end-on attachments," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-64148-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64148-w
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    1. Kruno Vukušić & Iva M. Tolić, 2025. "Kinetochore-centrosome feedback linking CENP-E and Aurora kinases controls chromosome congression," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-15, December.

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