CEP192

CEP192 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CEP192 gene. This protein plays a crucial role in cell division, particularly during the process of mitosis, where it is involved in the formation of the mitotic spindle. The mitotic spindle is a structure composed of microtubules that segregates chromosomes into the daughter cells during cell division. CEP192 is considered a centrosomal protein, meaning it is a part of the centrosome, a key organelle that serves as the main microtubule-organizing center in animal cells.

Function

CEP192 is essential for the correct formation and function of the spindle apparatus during mitosis. It acts as a scaffold protein, recruiting other crucial components to the centrosome and spindle microtubules. This recruitment is vital for the nucleation and stabilization of microtubules, processes that are critical for the accurate segregation of chromosomes. CEP192 interacts with several other proteins and complexes involved in mitosis, including Aurora A kinase, PLK1, and the γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC), facilitating their proper localization and function at the spindle and centrosomes.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the expression or function of CEP192 have been implicated in various human diseases, particularly cancer. Abnormal levels of CEP192 can disrupt normal cell division, leading to aneuploidy, a condition characterized by an abnormal number of chromosomes, which is a hallmark of many cancers. Furthermore, studies have suggested that CEP192 might be involved in the response to certain chemotherapy agents, making it a potential target for cancer treatment.

Genetic Information

The CEP192 gene is located on human chromosome 18. It consists of multiple exons and introns, spanning a significant portion of the chromosome. The gene encodes a protein of approximately 2,500 amino acids, highlighting its complex structure and the potential for diverse functional domains.

Research

Ongoing research aims to further elucidate the precise mechanisms by which CEP192 regulates spindle assembly and chromosome segregation. Studies are also focused on understanding the interaction network of CEP192 with other centrosomal and spindle proteins. Given its critical role in cell division and its implications in cancer, CEP192 is a significant subject of study in the fields of cell biology and molecular biology.