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Review
. 2018 Aug 16;131(16):jcs214577.
doi: 10.1242/jcs.214577.

The kinetochore-microtubule interface at a glance

Julie K Monda  1   2 , Iain M Cheeseman  3   2
Affiliations
Review

The kinetochore-microtubule interface at a glance

Julie K Monda et al. J Cell Sci. .

Abstract

Accurate chromosome segregation critically depends on the formation of attachments between microtubule polymers and each sister chromatid. The kinetochore is the macromolecular complex that assembles at the centromere of each chromosome during mitosis and serves as the link between the DNA and the microtubules. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and accompanying poster, we discuss the activities and molecular players that are involved in generating kinetochore-microtubule attachments, including the initial stages of lateral kinetochore-microtubule interactions and maturation to stabilized end-on attachments. We additionally explore the features that contribute to the ability of the kinetochore to track with dynamic microtubules. Finally, we examine the contributions of microtubule-associated proteins to the organization and stabilization of the mitotic spindle and the control of microtubule dynamics.

Keywords: Chromosome; Kinetochore; Microtubule; Mitosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interestsThe authors declare no competing or financial interests.

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