gcd189

gcd189 is a gene that encodes a protein involved in cell division. This protein is a component of the kinetochore, a complex molecular machine that assembles on chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis. The kinetochore plays a crucial role in the proper segregation of chromosomes to daughter cells. Specifically, the protein encoded by gcd189 is thought to be involved in the attachment of microtubules to the kinetochore, a process essential for forming the spindle apparatus that pulls chromosomes apart.

Mutations in the gcd189 gene have been associated with defects in chromosome segregation, leading to aneuploidy, a condition where cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes. This can have significant consequences for cell viability and organism development. Research into gcd189 has primarily been conducted in model organisms like yeast, where its function can be studied and manipulated. Understanding the precise role of gcd189 and its interacting partners is important for comprehending the fundamental mechanisms of cell division and for investigating potential links to diseases such as cancer, which often involves uncontrolled cell proliferation and chromosomal abnormalities.