regulation of centromere complex assembly

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that modulates the rate, frequency, or extent of centromere complex assembly, the aggregation, arrangement and bonding together of proteins and centromeric DNA molecules to form a centromeric protein-DNA complex. [GOC:ascb_2009, GOC:dph, GOC:tb]

Centromere complex assembly, the process that establishes and maintains the centromere, is a highly regulated and intricate process crucial for accurate chromosome segregation during cell division. It involves the coordinated assembly of a specialized protein complex, the kinetochore, onto the centromere region of the chromosome. This complex serves as a platform for microtubule attachment, ensuring proper chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis.

The regulation of centromere complex assembly involves multiple levels of control, including:

**1. DNA sequence-based recognition:** The centromere region of the chromosome is defined by specific DNA sequences, typically characterized by repetitive elements and a unique histone modification pattern. These sequences provide a platform for the initial recruitment of centromere-specific proteins.

**2. Epigenetic modifications:** The establishment and maintenance of the centromere rely heavily on specific histone modifications. These modifications, including methylation and acetylation of histone tails, create distinct epigenetic marks that attract centromere-specific proteins and contribute to the formation of a specialized chromatin structure.

**3. Protein-protein interactions:** The assembly of the centromere complex is driven by a complex network of protein-protein interactions. Centromere-specific proteins interact with each other and with other chromatin-associated factors to form a stable scaffold that anchors the kinetochore to the centromeric DNA.

**4. Kinase activity:** Several kinases play crucial roles in regulating centromere complex assembly. These kinases, such as Aurora B and Polo-like kinase, phosphorylate specific proteins involved in the process, promoting their recruitment, assembly, and disassembly.

**5. Cell cycle regulation:** The assembly of the centromere complex is tightly regulated by the cell cycle. Key factors involved in the process, such as CENP-A (a specialized histone variant), are specifically expressed and activated during specific phases of the cell cycle, ensuring timely assembly of the centromere complex.

**6. Spindle pole body (in yeast):** In organisms like yeast, the spindle pole body acts as a microtubule organizing center, and its association with centromeres is essential for chromosome segregation. This interaction involves specific protein interactions and signaling pathways.

The accurate assembly of the centromere complex is essential for faithful chromosome segregation. Errors in this process can lead to aneuploidy, a condition characterized by an abnormal number of chromosomes, often associated with developmental defects and diseases.

**Key proteins involved in centromere complex assembly include:**

* CENP-A: a specialized histone variant found at centromeres
* CENP-C: a protein that binds CENP-A and recruits other kinetochore components
* CENP-E: a motor protein involved in microtubule attachment
* Aurora B: a kinase that regulates kinetochore assembly and stability
* Polo-like kinase: a kinase involved in chromosome segregation

The regulation of centromere complex assembly is a complex and dynamic process that is crucial for accurate chromosome segregation. The interplay of multiple factors, including DNA sequence, epigenetic modifications, protein-protein interactions, kinase activity, and cell cycle regulation, ensures the proper assembly and function of this critical structure during cell division.'
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