Chromosome segregation articles from across Nature Portfolio

During mitosis, chromosomes undergo a dramatic metamorphosis. Here, the authors show that Condensin I, but not Condensin II, is important for establishing chromosome stiffness and elasticity, as well as for maintenance of centromeric cohesion.

Centrosome maturation in the G2/M phases is crucial for mitosis. Here, the authors identify that the ubiquitin E3 ligase RNF40 undergoes an acetylation-to-phosphorylation switch along with the cell cycle to facilitate timely PLK1 recruitment and centrosome maturation at the G2/M phases.

Aird et al. report that promyelocytic leukaemia (PML)-localized speckled protein 110 (SP110) controls SP100 oligomerization, which then regulates the mitotic dissolution of nuclear PML bodies.

Chen et al. identify that the extreme C-terminal region of Sororin directly locks the cohesin DNA-exit gate to stabilize sister-chromatid cohesion, a mechanism distinct from its established role in antagonizing Wapl binding to Pds5.

Accurate chromosome segregation relies on three-dimensional genome organization, yet its molecular basis remains unclear. Here, the authors identify an interaction between the condensin and the mediator complexes. Its disruption disturbs mitotic gene expression, chromatin domain formation, and chromosome segregation.

An optimized approach for live imaging of human embryos enables visualization of mitotic errors during blastocyst development.

Chromosome segregation errors are common in the early stages of human embryonic development. By examining the first mitotic divisions of human embryos using live cell imaging, three recent studies identify spindle architecture and positioning features that could provide insights into why early embryos are predisposed to chromosomal abnormalities.

Engel et al. conducted a genetic screen in which they identified the Fanconi anaemia (FA) pathway as a driver of chromothripsis, complex genomic rearrangements and generation of extrachromosomal DNA.

This study reveals that oxidative aneuploid cancer cells exhibit an upsurge of NADPH levels during mitosis, which neutralizes excessive reactive oxygen species and protects against chromosome mis-segregation.