The yeast kinetochore - structural insights from optical microscopy

In eukaryotic organisms each chromosome is captured by spindle microtubules. This interaction is mediated by an evolutionarily conserved, multi-protein complex called kinetochore. The main function of the kinetochore is to maintain correct chromosome segregation during cell division by transporting each sister chromatid to the spindle pole bodies localized at the opposite sites of the yeast nucleus. The kinetochore of budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is often used as a model system due to its simple composition compared to higher eukaryotes. This review highlights results obtained using optical imaging that revealed relative positions and stoichiometry of the major components of the budding yeast kinetochore.