CENPO

Overview of the CENPO protein and its role in cell division

CENPO (Centromere Protein O) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CENPO gene. It is a component of the CENP-A-containing nucleosome-associated complex (NAC) and is involved in the assembly of the kinetochore, a crucial structure for chromosome segregation during mitosis.

Function

CENPO is a part of the constitutive centromere-associated network (CCAN), which is essential for the proper functioning of the centromere. The centromere is a region of the chromosome that is vital for the accurate distribution of duplicated chromosomes to daughter cells during cell division. CENPO, along with other proteins such as CENP-A, CENP-B, and CENP-C, plays a critical role in the formation and stabilization of the kinetochore complex.

The kinetochore is a multi-protein structure that assembles on the centromere and serves as the attachment point for microtubules of the mitotic spindle. This attachment is necessary for the chromosomes to be pulled apart and segregated into the two daughter cells. CENPO is specifically involved in the recruitment of other kinetochore proteins and in the regulation of kinetochore-microtubule interactions.

Clinical significance

Mutations or dysregulation of CENPO can lead to improper chromosome segregation, which is a hallmark of many cancers. Studies have shown that alterations in the expression of CENPO and other centromere proteins can contribute to aneuploidy, a condition where cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes, which is often observed in cancerous cells.

Research

Research into CENPO and its interactions with other centromere proteins is ongoing, with the aim of understanding its precise role in cell division and its potential as a target for cancer therapy. The study of CENPO also contributes to the broader understanding of the mechanisms of chromosome segregation and the maintenance of genomic stability.

Also see

• Centromere
• Kinetochore
• CENP-A
• Mitosis
• Chromosome segregation