This proposal concerns the molecular mechanism of the spindle assembly checkpoint in the mammalian system. This mitotic checkpoint ensures the fidelity of chromosome segregation; inactivation of this checkpoint causes mis-segregation of chromosomes and aneuploidy, leading to tumorigenesis. The checkpoint mechanism prevents premature anaphase initiation by inhibiting the anaphase-promoting complex (APC)/cyclosome, a ubiquitin ligase that controls sister chromatid separation. The activity of APC at metaphase is controlled by its activator CDC20 and by its inhibitor MAD2, a checkpoint protein. We propose experiments here to address the function of two checkpoint proteins, MAD2 and BUBR1. Our long-term goal is to identify all the components in the mitotic checkpoint pathway, to understand the biochemistry of each signaling step and to reconstitute the signaling pathway in vitro using purified metaphase chromosomes. 1. To detect a checkpoint-dependent chance in MAD2 structure. We will develop a mammalian cell-free checkpoint system using purified metaphase chromosomes and determine the biochemical basis of the checkpoint signaling by the MAD2 protein. 2. To define the role of BUBR1 in control of CDC20 activity. CDC20 is a substrate of the checkpoint kinase BUBR1. We will analyze the biochemical effect and physiological function of phosphorylation of CDC20 by BUBR1, both in vitro and in vivo. 3. To investigate the regulation of BUBR1 by checkpoint pathway. BUBR 1 is activated by the checkpoint pathway. We will study the molecular mechanism that regulates BUBR1 kinase activity in response to checkpoint activation. Results from proposed studies will provide a molecular pathway for the mitotic checkpoint control in mammalian cells. Since the checkpoint pathway is inactivated in several types of cancer, a better understanding of the biochemical pathway for the checkpoint signaling is not only essential to our understanding of the basic workings of the cell cycle machinery and regulated proteolysis in all eukaryotic cells, but also central for the development of novel strategies for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM062852-05
Application #
7026389
Study Section
Cell Development and Function Integrated Review Group (CDF)
Program Officer
Deatherage, James F
Project Start
2002-03-01
Project End
2008-02-28
Budget Start
2006-03-01
Budget End
2008-02-28
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$254,123
Indirect Cost
Name
Stanford University
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
009214214
City
Stanford
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94305
Jang, Chang-Young; Coppinger, Judith A; Yates 3rd, John R et al. (2010) Phospho-regulation of DDA3 function in mitosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 393:259-63
Fang, Lin; Seki, Akiko; Fang, Guowei (2009) SKAP associates with kinetochores and promotes the metaphase-to-anaphase transition. Cell Cycle 8:2819-27
Jang, Chang-Young; Fang, Guowei (2009) The N-terminal domain of DDA3 regulates the spindle-association of the microtubule depolymerase Kif2a and controls the mitotic function of DDA3. Cell Cycle 8:3165-71
Jang, Chang-Young; Coppinger, Judith A; Seki, Akiko et al. (2009) Plk1 and Aurora A regulate the depolymerase activity and the cellular localization of Kif2a. J Cell Sci 122:1334-41
Zhao, Wei-Meng; Coppinger, Judith A; Seki, Akiko et al. (2008) RCS1, a substrate of APC/C, controls the metaphase to anaphase transition. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 105:13415-20
Seki, Akiko; Coppinger, Judith A; Jang, Chang-Young et al. (2008) Bora and the kinase Aurora a cooperatively activate the kinase Plk1 and control mitotic entry. Science 320:1655-8
Zhu, Hui; Coppinger, Judith A; Jang, Chang-Young et al. (2008) FAM29A promotes microtubule amplification via recruitment of the NEDD1-gamma-tubulin complex to the mitotic spindle. J Cell Biol 183:835-48
Wong, Jim; Lerrigo, Robert; Jang, Chang-Young et al. (2008) Aurora A regulates the activity of HURP by controlling the accessibility of its microtubule-binding domain. Mol Biol Cell 19:2083-91
Jang, Chang-Young; Wong, Jim; Coppinger, Judith A et al. (2008) DDA3 recruits microtubule depolymerase Kif2a to spindle poles and controls spindle dynamics and mitotic chromosome movement. J Cell Biol 181:255-67
Seki, Akiko; Coppinger, Judith A; Du, Haining et al. (2008) Plk1- and beta-TrCP-dependent degradation of Bora controls mitotic progression. J Cell Biol 181:65-78

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