Recovery from spindle checkpoint-mediated arrest requires a novel Dnt1-dependent APC/C activation mechanism

PLoS Genet. 2022 Sep 15;18(9):e1010397. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010397. eCollection 2022 Sep.

Abstract

The activated spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) potently inhibits the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) to ensure accurate chromosome segregation at anaphase. Early studies have recognized that the SAC should be silenced within minutes to enable rapid APC/C activation and synchronous segregation of chromosomes once all kinetochores are properly attached, but the underlying silencers are still being elucidated. Here, we report that the timely silencing of SAC in fission yeast requires dnt1+, which causes severe thiabendazole (TBZ) sensitivity and increased rate of lagging chromosomes when deleted. The absence of Dnt1 results in prolonged inhibitory binding of mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC) to APC/C and attenuated protein levels of Slp1Cdc20, consequently slows the degradation of cyclin B and securin, and eventually delays anaphase entry in cells released from SAC activation. Interestingly, Dnt1 physically associates with APC/C upon SAC activation. We propose that this association may fend off excessive and prolonged MCC binding to APC/C and help to maintain Slp1Cdc20 stability. This may allow a subset of APC/C to retain activity, which ensures rapid anaphase onset and mitotic exit once SAC is inactivated. Therefore, our study uncovered a new player in dictating the timing and efficacy of APC/C activation, which is actively required for maintaining cell viability upon recovery from the inhibition of APC/C by spindle checkpoint.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anaphase-Promoting Complex-Cyclosome / genetics
  • Anaphase-Promoting Complex-Cyclosome / metabolism
  • Cdc20 Proteins / genetics
  • Cdc20 Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Cycle Proteins* / genetics
  • Cell Cycle Proteins* / metabolism
  • Kinetochores / metabolism
  • M Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints / genetics
  • Securin / genetics
  • Spindle Apparatus / genetics
  • Spindle Apparatus / metabolism
  • Thiabendazole* / metabolism

Substances

  • Cdc20 Proteins
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Securin
  • Anaphase-Promoting Complex-Cyclosome
  • Thiabendazole

Grants and funding

This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 32170731, No. 31871362, No. 31171298, and No. 31671411) to Q-wJ. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.