DNA Damage Activates the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint Independently of the Kinetochore
Author Information
Author(s): Kim Eun Mi, Burke Daniel J.
Primary Institution: University of Virginia Medical Center
Hypothesis
Is the spindle assembly checkpoint activated in response to DNA damage without the involvement of the kinetochore?
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that the spindle assembly checkpoint can be activated by DNA damage independently of the kinetochore.
Supporting Evidence
- The study shows that yeast cells lacking the DNA damage checkpoint can still arrest before anaphase in response to DNA damage.
- SAC proteins Mad1, Mad2, Mad3, Bub1, and Bub3 are required for the arrest in response to DNA damage.
- Cells without kinetochores can still activate the spindle assembly checkpoint in response to DNA damage.
Takeaway
When cells get damaged DNA, they can still stop themselves from dividing even if the part that usually helps them check for problems (the kinetochore) is not working.
Methodology
The study used yeast cells to investigate the relationship between the DNA damage checkpoint and the spindle assembly checkpoint through various assays including flow cytometry and Western blot analysis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website