Kinase signaling in the spindle checkpoint

J Biol Chem. 2009 Jun 5;284(23):15359-63. doi: 10.1074/jbc.R900005200. Epub 2009 Feb 19.

Abstract

The spindle checkpoint is a cell cycle surveillance system that ensures the fidelity of chromosome segregation. In mitosis, it elicits the "wait anaphase" signal to inhibit the anaphase-promoting complex or cyclosome until all chromosomes achieve bipolar microtubule attachment and align at the metaphase plate. Because a single kinetochore unattached to microtubules activates the checkpoint, the wait anaphase signal is thought to be generated by this kinetochore and is then amplified and distributed throughout the cell to inhibit the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome. Several spindle checkpoint kinases participate in the generation and amplification of this signal. Recent studies have begun to reveal the activation mechanisms of these checkpoint kinases. Increasing evidence also indicates that the checkpoint kinases not only help to generate the wait anaphase signal but also actively correct kinetochore-microtubule attachment defects.

MeSH terms

  • Aneuploidy
  • Animals
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism
  • Centromere / enzymology
  • Chromosome Segregation*
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Humans
  • Kinetochores / metabolism
  • Microtubules / enzymology
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / genetics
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Mitosis
  • Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • Spindle Apparatus / genetics
  • Spindle Apparatus / metabolism*
  • Xenopus

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Bub1 spindle checkpoint protein
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases