Chromokinesins: multitalented players in mitosis

Trends Cell Biol. 2005 Jul;15(7):349-55. doi: 10.1016/j.tcb.2005.05.006.

Abstract

Molecular motors generate cellular forces and act in a multitude of intracellular transport processes. The chromokinesins are a subgroup of kinesin motors. Chromokinesins act in various steps of mitosis, including chromosome condensation, metaphase alignment, chromosome segregation, cytokinesis and they help maintain genome stability. The emerging multifunctional nature of the chromokinesins provides insights into the coordination of distinct mitotic steps, and their role in maintenance of genome stability makes them attractive potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism
  • Chromatin / chemistry
  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • Cytokinesis / physiology
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Kinesins / genetics
  • Kinesins / metabolism
  • Kinesins / physiology*
  • Mitosis / physiology*
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / physiology*
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Nuclear Proteins / physiology*
  • Spindle Apparatus / metabolism

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Chromatin
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • chromokinesin
  • Kinesins