CENPT

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia


Overview[edit | edit source]

CENPT (Centromere Protein T) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CENPT gene. It is a component of the centromere, a region of the chromosome that is essential for proper chromosome segregation during cell division. CENPT is part of the CENP-A nucleosome-associated complex, which is crucial for the assembly of the kinetochore, a structure that attaches chromosomes to the mitotic spindle fibers.

Function[edit | edit source]

CENPT plays a critical role in the formation and function of the centromere. It is involved in the recruitment of other centromere proteins and the assembly of the kinetochore. The kinetochore is responsible for the movement of chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis. CENPT, along with other centromere proteins such as CENPA, CENPB, and CENPC, ensures the proper attachment of spindle microtubules to the centromere, facilitating accurate chromosome segregation.

Structure[edit | edit source]

CENPT is a part of the CENP-T-W-S-X complex, which is a histone-fold complex that binds to the centromeric nucleosome. This complex is essential for the structural integrity of the centromere and the recruitment of additional kinetochore proteins. The CENP-T-W-S-X complex interacts with the CENP-A nucleosome, which is a variant of the canonical histone H3 nucleosome, marking the centromere location on the chromosome.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations or dysregulation of CENPT can lead to improper chromosome segregation, which is a hallmark of many cancers and other genetic disorders. Understanding the function and regulation of CENPT is important for developing therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with chromosomal instability.

Research[edit | edit source]

Ongoing research is focused on elucidating the detailed mechanisms by which CENPT and its associated complexes contribute to centromere function and kinetochore assembly. Studies using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, RNA interference, and advanced imaging techniques are providing insights into the dynamic behavior of CENPT during cell division.

Also see[edit | edit source]

Template:Centromere proteins Template:Cell division

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD