Kinetochore-bound Mps1 regulates kinetochore-microtubule attachments via Ndc80 phosphorylation

Dividing cells detect and correct erroneous kinetochore-microtubule attachments during mitosis, thereby avoiding chromosome missegregation. The Aurora B kinase phosphorylates microtubule-binding elements specifically at incorrectly attached kinetochores, promoting their release and providing another chance for proper attachments to form. However, growing evidence suggests that the Mps1 kinase is also required for error correction. Here we directly examine how Mps1 activity affects kinetochore-microtubule attachments using a reconstitution-based approach that allows us to separate its effects from Aurora B activity. When endogenous Mps1 that copurifies with kinetochores is activated in vitro, it weakens their attachments to microtubules via phosphorylation of Ndc80, a major microtubule-binding protein. This phosphorylation contributes to error correction because phospho-deficient Ndc80 mutants exhibit genetic interactions and segregation defects when combined with mutants in other error correction pathways. In addition, Mps1 phosphorylation of Ndc80 is stimulated on kinetochores lacking tension. These data suggest that Mps1 provides an additional mechanism for correcting erroneous kinetochore-microtubule attachments, complementing the well-known activity of Aurora B. Sarangapani, Koch, Nelson et al. show that phosphorylation by the conserved Mps1 kinase reduces kinetochore-microtubule attachment strength using a reconstitution system. Mps1 phosphorylates Ndc80, a microtubule-binding protein in the kinetochore, to aid mitotic error correction in cells and ensure accurate chromosome segregation.

Automated summary

Sarangapani, Koch, Nelson et al. demonstrate that phosphorylation by the evolutionarily conserved Mps1 kinase weakens kinetochore-microtubule attachments, aiding in mitotic error correction and ensuring accurate chromosome segregation.