Introduction to chromosome dynamics in mitosis

• Published in: Biology of the Cell Vol. 95; no. 8; pp. 507 - 513
• Main Authors: Watrin, Erwan, Legagneux, Vincent
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Elsevier SAS 01.11.2003; Blackwell Publishing Ltd; Wiley
• Subjects: Adenosine Triphosphatases; Adenosine Triphosphatases - physiology; Animals; Biochemistry, Molecular Biology; Cell division; Chromatin; Chromosomes; Chromosomes - genetics; Chromosomes - physiology; Cohesin; Condensin; DNA Replication; DNA Topoisomerases, Type II; DNA Topoisomerases, Type II - physiology; DNA-Binding Proteins; DNA-Binding Proteins - physiology; Genomics; Life Sciences; Mitosis; Multiprotein Complexes; Sister Chromatid Exchange; Topoisomerase II; Cell division; Chromatin; Cohesin; Condensin; Topoisomerase II
• ISSN: 0248-4900; 1768-322X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biolcel.2003.08.003

To ensure that the genetic information, replicated in the S-phase of the cell cycle, is correctly distributed between daughter cells at mitosis, chromatin duplication and chromosome segregation are highly regulated events. Since the early 1980's, our knowledge of the mechanisms governing these two events has greatly increased due to the use of genetic and biochemical approaches. We present here, first, an overview of the replication process, highlighting molecular aspects involved in coupling replication with chromatin dynamics in mitosis. The second part will present the current understanding of chromosome condensation and segregation during mitosis in higher eukaryotes. Finally, we will underline the links that exist between replication and mitosis.