Farnesylation of Cenp-F is required for G2/M progression and degradation after mitosis

J Cell Sci. 2002 Sep 1;115(Pt 17):3403-14. doi: 10.1242/jcs.115.17.3403.

Abstract

Farnesyl transferase inhibitors induce G2/M cell cycle delays that cannot be explained by inhibition of the Ras GTPase. Recently, the kinetochore protein Cenp-F has been shown to be farnesylated. Here, we show that ectopic expression of the kinetochore targeting domain of Cenp-F delays progression through G2/M. Significantly, this is dependent on the CAAX farnesylation motif. We also show that localisation of Cenp-F to the nuclear envelope at G2/M and kinetochores in prometaphase is dependent both on its CAAX motif and farnesyl transferase activity. Strikingly, farnesyl transferase activity is also required for Cenp-F degradation after mitosis. Thus, these observations suggest that farnesylation of Cenp-F is required not only for its localisation to the nuclear envelope and kinetochores but also for timely progression through G2/M and its degradation after mitosis. In addition, these observations raise the possibility that the anti-proliferative effects induced by farnesyl transferase inhibitors may be due to inhibition of Cenp-F function and/or turnover.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkyl and Aryl Transferases / metabolism
  • Amino Acid Motifs
  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / genetics
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / metabolism*
  • Chromosome Segregation
  • Farnesyltranstransferase
  • Flow Cytometry
  • G2 Phase / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Kinetochores / metabolism
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Mitosis / physiology*
  • Nuclear Envelope / metabolism
  • Protein Prenylation

Substances

  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • centromere protein F
  • Alkyl and Aryl Transferases
  • Farnesyltranstransferase