A dimerization-dependent mechanism regulates enzymatic activation and nuclear entry of PLK1

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a crucial regulator of cell cycle progression. It is established that the activation of PLK1 depends on the coordinated action of Aurora-A and Bora. Nevertheless, very little is known about the spatiotemporal regulation of PLK1 during G2, specifically, the mechanisms that keep cytoplasmic PLK1 inactive until shortly before mitosis onset. Here, we describe PLK1 dimerization as a new mechanism that controls PLK1 activation. During the early G2 phase, Bora supports transient PLK1 dimerization, thus fine-tuning the timely regulated activation of PLK1 and modulating its nuclear entry. At late G2, the phosphorylation of T210 by Aurora-A triggers dimer dissociation and generates active PLK1 monomers that support entry into mitosis. Interfering with this critical PLK1 dimer/monomer switch prevents the association of PLK1 with importins, limiting its nuclear shuttling, and causes nuclear PLK1 mislocalization during the G2-M transition. Our results suggest a novel conformational space for the design of a new generation of PLK1 inhibitors.

Automated summary

PLK1 activation during the G2 phase is controlled by dimerization supported by Bora and dissociation triggered by Aurora-A phosphorylation, allowing timely entry into mitosis. Interfering with this dimer/monomer switch affects PLK1's nuclear shuttling and localization during the G2-M transition, suggesting potential for novel PLK1 inhibitors.