Ipl1p-dependent phosphorylation of Mad3p is required for the spindle checkpoint response to lack of tension at kinetochores.

The spindle checkpoint delays anaphase onset until all chromosomes are correctly attached to microtubules. Ipl1 protein kinase (Aurora B) is required to correct inappropriate kinetochore-microtubule attachments and for the response to lack of tension between sister kinetochores. Here we identify residues in the checkpoint protein Mad3p that are phosphorylated by Ipl1p.

Mad3 KEN boxes mediate both Cdc20 and Mad3 turnover, and are critical for the spindle checkpoint.

Mitotic progression is controlled by proteolytic destruction of securin and cyclin. The mitotic E3 ubiquitin ligase, known as the anaphase promoting complex or cyclosome (APC/C), in partnership with its activators Cdc20p and Cdh1p, targets these proteins for degradation. In the presence of defective kinetochore-microtubule interactions, APC/C(Cdc20) is inhibited by the spindle checkpoint, thereby delaying anaphase onset and providing more time for spindle assembly.