S. Biggins

Stable centromere association of the yeast histone variant Cse4 requires its essential N-terminal domain

The paper investigates how the N-terminal domain of Cse4 stabilizes its association with centromeres in yeast, showing that OA and Scm3 independently stabilize Cse4 through their interactions with the END region.

Architecture and flexibility of native kinetochores revealed by structural studies utilizing a thermophilic yeast

This study reveals the architecture and flexibility of native kinetochores using structural analyses of purified kinetochores from thermophilic yeast.

Kinetochores grip microtubules with directionally asymmetric strength

The paper shows that kinetochores grip microtubules six-fold stronger when pulled toward plus ends, suggesting directional asymmetry in attachment strength contributes to mitotic accuracy.

Mechanical coupling coordinates microtubule growth

The paper shows mechanical coupling coordinates microtubule growth in vitro using a dual laser trap assay, explaining coordination without free fit parameters.

Direct observation of coordinated assembly of individual native centromeric nucleosomes

The paper develops a microscopy assay to study centromeric nucleosome assembly, showing CENP-A can reach centromeres without HJURP but requires it for stable incorporation and AT-rich DNA for efficient deposition.

Structures of core eukaryotic protein complexes

The paper uses coevolution analysis and deep learning to model core eukaryotic protein complexes in yeast, identifying 104 new assemblies and structurally characterizing 608 previously unknown complexes.

Tension suppresses Aurora B kinase-triggered release of reconstituted kinetochore-microtubule attachments

The paper develops an assay to study Aurora B kinase's effect on kinetochore-microtubule attachments under tension, finding that tension suppresses Aurora B-triggered release.

Functional dissection of human mitotic proteins using CRISPR-Cas9 tiling screens

The paper uses CRISPR-Cas9 tiling screens to identify functional domains in human mitotic proteins, revealing new regions essential for cell proliferation and chromosome segregation.

Kinetochore-associated Mps1 regulates the strength of kinetochore-microtubule attachments via Ndc80 phosphorylation

This study shows Mps1 weakens kinetochore-microtubule attachments by phosphorylating Ndc80, contributing to error correction during mitosis.

chTOG is a conserved mitotic error correction factor

This study identifies chTOG as a conserved mitotic error correction factor that helps correct kinetochore-microtubule attachments independent of Aurora B activity.

A Stu2-mediated intrinsic tension-sensing pathway promotes chromosome biorientation in vivo

This study identifies a Stu2-mediated tension-sensing pathway that works with Aurora B to correct kinetochore attachments in vivo.

An assay for de novo kinetochore assembly reveals a key role for the CENP-T pathway in budding yeast

The paper develops a de novo kinetochore assembly assay in budding yeast to show that the CENP-T pathway becomes essential for viability and Ndc80c recruitment when the Mis12 pathway is impaired.