INCENP
Domain
The IN box mediates interaction with AURKB and AURKC.
The SAH (single alpha-helix) region is characterized by a high content of charged residues which are predicted to stabilize the alpha-helical structure by ionic bonds. It can refold after extension suggesting an in vivo force-dependent function. The isolated SAH domain is monomeric.
Function
Component of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC), a complex that acts as a key regulator of mitosis. The CPC complex has essential functions at the centromere in ensuring correct chromosome alignment and segregation and is required for chromatin-induced microtubule stabilization and spindle assembly. Acts as a scaffold regulating CPC localization and activity. The C-terminus associates with AURKB or AURKC, the N-terminus associated with BIRC5/survivin and CDCA8/borealin tethers the CPC to the inner centromere, and the microtubule binding activity within the central SAH domain directs AURKB/C toward substrates near microtubules (PubMed:12925766, PubMed:15316025, PubMed:27332895). The flexibility of the SAH domain is proposed to allow AURKB/C to follow substrates on dynamic microtubules while ensuring CPC docking to static chromatin (By similarity). Activates AURKB and AURKC (PubMed:27332895). Required for localization of CBX5 to mitotic centromeres (PubMed:21346195). Controls the kinetochore localization of BUB1 (PubMed:16760428).
Post-translational modifications
Phosphorylation by AURKB or AURKC at its C-terminal part is important for AURKB or AURKC activation by INCENP.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the INCENP family.
Cellular localization
- Nucleus
- Chromosome
- Centromere
- Cytoplasm
- Cytoskeleton
- Spindle
- Midbody
- Chromosome
- Centromere
- Kinetochore
- Colocalized at synaptonemal complex central element from zygotene up to late pachytene when it begins to relocalize to heterochromatic chromocenters. Colocalizes with AURKB at a connecting strand traversing the centromere region and joining sister kinetochores, in metaphase II centromeres. This strand disappears at the metaphase II/anaphase II transition and relocalizes to the spindle midzone (By similarity). Colocalizes with AURKB at mitotic chromosomes (PubMed:11453556). Localizes to inner kinetochore (PubMed:16760428). Localizes on chromosome arms and inner centromeres from prophase through metaphase and then transferring to the spindle midzone and midbody from anaphase through cytokinesis (PubMed:15316025). Cocalizes to the equatorial cell cortex at anaphase (PubMed:11453556).
Alternative names
Inner centromere protein, INCENP