An interaction hub on Ndc80 complex facilitates dynamic recruitment of Mps1 to yeast kinetochores to promote accurate chromosome segregation

Abstract

SUMMARYAccurate chromosome segregation relies on kinetochores carrying out multiple functions, including establishing and maintaining microtubule attachments, forming precise bioriented attachments between sister chromatids, and activating the spindle assembly checkpoint. Central to these processes is the highly conserved Ndc80 complex. This kinetochore subcomplex interacts directly with microtubules, but also serves as a critical platform for recruiting kinetochore-associated factors and as a key substrate for error correction kinases. The precise manner in which these kinetochore factors interact, and regulate each other’s function, remains unknown – considerably hindering our understanding of how Ndc80 complex-dependent processes function together to orchestrate accurate chromosome segregation. Here, we aimed to uncover the role of Nuf2’s CH domain, a component of the Ndc80 complex, in ensuring accurate chromosome segregation. Through extensive mutational analysis, we identified a conserved “interaction hub” comprising two segments in Nuf2’s CH domain, forming the binding site for Mps1 within the yeast Ndc80 complex. Intriguingly, the interaction between Mps1 and the Ndc80 complex seems to be subject to regulation by competitive binding with other factors. Mutants disrupting this interaction hub exhibit defects in spindle assembly checkpoint function and severe chromosome segregation errors. Significantly, specifically restoring Mps1-Ndc80 complex association rescues these defects. Our findings shed light on the intricate regulation of Ndc80 complex-dependent functions and highlight the essential role of Mps1 in kinetochore biorientation and accurate chromosome segregation.