The spatiotemporal dynamics of chromatin protein HP1α Is essential for accurate chromosome segregation during cell division

Abstract

Background: HP1α is a heterochromatin protein essential for chromosome plasticity in mitosis. Results: HP1α localization to the centromere depends on two distinct structural determinants in interphase and mitotic cells. Conclusion: The centromere localization of HP1α is determined by its binding to H3K9me2/3 in interphase but to PXVXL motifs in mitosis. Significance: The context-dependent spatiotemporal dynamics of HP1α is essential for accurate mitosis.