Open AccessSister chromatids separate during anaphase in a three-stage program as directed by interaxis bridges
Author(s) -
Lingluo Chu,
Zheng Zhang,
Maria V. Mukhina,
Denise Zickler,
Nancy Kleckner
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2123363119
Subject(s) - cohesin , sister chromatids , anaphase , separase , establishment of sister chromatid cohesion , centromere , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , chromatid , metaphase , spindle apparatus , prometaphase , kinetochore , mitosis , genetics , chromatin , cell division , chromosome , cell cycle , dna , cell , gene
Significance A central feature of mitosis is segregation of sister chromatids to opposite poles during anaphase. Our recent work revealed that sister chromatids are linked by robust structural bridges built on topological sister/sister catenations. This unexpected finding implies that separation of sister chromatids is more complex than previously thought. The present study reveals that bridges are removed in a highly programmed three-stage process, all licensed by anaphase onset and cohesin removal, and all promoted by distinct types of intersister separation forces. Removal of bridge-associated cohesin and topoisomerase II–mediated decatenation plays a central role. These findings raise the possibility that the presence and programmed removal of bridges are required for smooth, synchronous, and regular movement of sisters to opposite poles.