CENP-T-W-S-X Forms a Unique Centromeric Chromatin Structure with a Histone-like Fold

SummaryThe multiprotein kinetochore complex must assemble at a specific site on each chromosome to achieve accurate chromosome segregation. Defining the nature of the DNA-protein interactions that specify the position of the kinetochore and provide a scaffold for kinetochore formation remain key goals. Here, we demonstrate that the centromeric histone-fold-containing CENP-T-W and CENP-S-X complexes coassemble to form a stable CENP-T-W-S-X heterotetramer. High-resolution structural analysis of the individual complexes and the heterotetramer reveals similarity to other histone fold-containing complexes including canonical histones within a nucleosome. The CENP-T-W-S-X heterotetramer binds to and supercoils DNA. Mutants designed to compromise heterotetramerization or the DNA-protein contacts around the heterotetramer strongly reduce the DNA binding and supercoiling activities in vitro and compromise kinetochore assembly in vivo. These data suggest that the CENP-T-W-S-X complex forms a unique nucleosome-like structure to generate contacts with DNA, extending the “histone code” beyond canonical nucleosome proteins.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload high-quality image (262 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Structures of CENP-T-W and CENP-S-X complexes are similar to that of canonical histones
► The CENP-T-W and CENP-S-X complexes form a stable CENP-T-W-S-X heterotetramer
► Formation of the CENP-T-W-S-X heterotetramer is essential for kinetochore assembly
► The CENP-T-W-S-X heterotetramer bends or wraps DNA like canonical nucleosomes