The Astrin-SKAP Complex Reduces Friction at the Kinetochore-Microtubule Interface
Description
Summary of the work: The kinetochore links chromosomes to spindle microtubules to drive chromosome segregation at cell division. While we know nearly all mammalian kinetochore proteins, how these give rise to the strong yet dynamic microtubule attachments required for function remains poorly understood. Here, we focus on the Astrin-SKAP complex, which localizes to bioriented kinetochores and is essential for chromosome segregation, but whose mechanical role is unclear. Live imaging reveals that SKAP depletion dampens movement and decreases coordination of metaphase sister kinetochores, and increases tension between them. Using laser ablation to isolate kinetochores bound to polymerizing vs depolymerizing microtubules, we show that without SKAP kinetochores move slower on both polymerizing and depolymerizing microtubules, and that more force is needed to rescue microtubules to polymerize. Thus, in contrast to previously described kinetochore proteins that increase grip on microtubules under force, Astrin-SKAP reduces grip, increasing attachment dynamics and force responsiveness and reducing friction. Together, our findings suggest a model where the Astrin-SKAP complex effectively “lubricates” correct, bioriented attachments to help preserve them. Data associated to the paper "The Astrin-SKAP Complex Reduces Friction at the Kinetochore-Microtubule Interface", Rosas-Salvans et al., Current Biology, DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.04.061. Here we include the data used for the figures in this paper (files are created and must be opened using GraphPad, Prism). The raw data and Phyton code used for the kinetochore oscillations analysis can be found at the following link: https://github.com/miquelrosassalvans/kinetochore-oscillations-analysis.git
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