Condensin: Architect of mitotic chromosomes

Damien F. Hudson, Kathryn M. Marshall, William C. Earnshaw

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Condensin is a highly conserved pentameric complex consisting of two structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) ATPase subunits and three auxiliary components. While initially regarded as a key driver of mitotic chromosome condensation, condensin is increasingly viewed as having a more subtle influence on chromosome architecture. The two condensin complexes are required to direct the correct folding and organization of chromosomes prior to anaphase and for keeping the chromosomes compact as they separate to the poles. This ancient complex is essential in mitosis and meiosis and has additional roles in gene regulation and DNA repair. The wide variety of biochemical and genetic tools available are gradually unravelling the numerous roles condensin plays during the cell cycle and shedding light on its mechanism of action.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)131-144
Number of pages14
JournalChromosome Research
Volume17
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2009

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