Molecular basis for inner kinetochore configuration through RWD domain-peptide interactions.

Kinetochores are dynamic cellular structures that connect chromosomes to microtubules. They form from multi-protein assemblies that are evolutionarily conserved between yeasts and humans. One of these assemblies-COMA-consists of subunits Ame1, Ctf19, Mcm21 and Okp1 A description of COMA molecular organization has so far been missing.

Network of protein interactions within the Drosophila inner kinetochore.

The kinetochore provides a physical connection between microtubules and the centromeric regions of chromosomes that is critical for their equitable segregation. The trimeric Mis12 sub-complex of the Drosophila kinetochore binds to the mitotic centromere using CENP-C as a platform. However, knowledge of the precise connections between Mis12 complex components and CENP-C has remained elusive despite the fundamental importance of this part of the cell division machinery.