Phosphorylation of EB2 by Aurora B and CDK1 ensures mitotic progression and genome stability

Nat Commun. 2016 Mar 31:7:11117. doi: 10.1038/ncomms11117.

Abstract

Temporal regulation of microtubule dynamics is essential for proper progression of mitosis and control of microtubule plus-end tracking proteins by phosphorylation is an essential component of this regulation. Here we show that Aurora B and CDK1 phosphorylate microtubule end-binding protein 2 (EB2) at multiple sites within the amino terminus and a cluster of serine/threonine residues in the linker connecting the calponin homology and end-binding homology domains. EB2 phosphorylation, which is strictly associated with mitotic entry and progression, reduces the binding affinity of EB2 for microtubules. Expression of non-phosphorylatable EB2 induces stable kinetochore microtubule dynamics and delays formation of bipolar metaphase plates in a microtubule binding-dependent manner, and leads to aneuploidy even in unperturbed mitosis. We propose that Aurora B and CDK1 temporally regulate the binding affinity of EB2 for microtubules, thereby ensuring kinetochore microtubule dynamics, proper mitotic progression and genome stability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aurora Kinase B / analysis
  • Aurora Kinase B / metabolism
  • Aurora Kinase B / physiology*
  • Binding Sites
  • CDC2 Protein Kinase
  • Cell Line
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinases / analysis
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinases / metabolism
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinases / physiology*
  • Genomic Instability
  • Humans
  • Kinetochores / metabolism
  • Kinetochores / ultrastructure
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / analysis
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / chemistry
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / physiology*
  • Microtubules / metabolism
  • Microtubules / ultrastructure
  • Mitosis / genetics
  • Mitosis / physiology*
  • Phosphorylation

Substances

  • MAPRE2 protein, human
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • AURKB protein, human
  • Aurora Kinase B
  • CDC2 Protein Kinase
  • CDK1 protein, human
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinases