The interaction of the central mitotic checkpoint component BUB1 with the mitotic kinetochore protein Blinkin is required for the kinetochore localization and function of BUB1 in the mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint, the regulatory mechanism of the cell cycle that ensures the even distribution of chromosomes during the transition from metaphase to anaphase. Here, we report the 1.74 angstroms resolution crystal structure of the N-terminal region of BUB1. The structure is organized as a tandem arrangement of three divergent units of the tetratricopeptide motif. Functional assays in vivo of native and site-specific mutants identify the residues of human BUB1 important for the interaction with Blinkin and define one region of potential therapeutic interest. The structure provides insight into the molecular basis of Blinkin-specific recognition by BUB1 and, on a broader perspective, of the mechanism that mediates kinetochore localization of BUB1 in checkpoint-activated cells.

• PMID: 19141287
• DOI full text
• PMC full text
• PubMed

Reference Type

Journal Article | Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Authors

Bolanos-Garcia VM, Kiyomitsu T, D'Arcy S, Chirgadze DY, Grossmann JG, Matak-Vinkovic D, Venkitaraman AR, Yanagida M, Robinson CV, Blundell TL

Primary Lit For

Additional Lit For

Review For