{
  "id": 14931194,
  "title": "Functional genetics reveals a role for the proteasome in regulating centromere assembly",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/functional-genetics-reveals-a-role-for-the-proteasome-in-regulating",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-16T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "bioRxiv",
    "slug": "biorxiv",
    "url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.10.14.759079v1?rss=1"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Centromeres play a crucial role in linking chromosomes to spindle microtubules during mitosis. This is primarily achieved through two key proteins, CENP-A and CENP-T. CENP-T acts as a powerful scaffold for kinetochore assembly, and concentrating it at improper locations can lead to the formation of kinetochore-like structures. However, the mechanism by which cells prevent excess CENP-T from acting at non-centromere sites is not well understood. Utilizing optical pooled screening, researchers have now uncovered the role of the proteasome in regulating CENP-T levels and controlling its localization.\n\nThe study reveals that CENP-A deposition machinery is essential for proper centromere formation. Interestingly, non-centromere CENP-T is degraded in a ubiquitin- and proteasome-dependent manner. In contrast, CENP-T that is incorporated into centromeres remains stable. Unbound CENP-T at non-centromere sites is rapidly turned over, with the CENP-T histone fold region being sufficient to confer sensitivity to the proteasome. Quiescent cells, which disassemble their centromeres, continue to express CENP-T but eliminate it through continuous degradation.\n\nIn summary, while CENP-A is primarily controlled through regulated deposition, cells additionally regulate CENP-T by selectively degrading the unincorporated protein. This dual control mechanism ensures that CENP-T functions correctly at centromere sites and is prevented from acting aberrantly at non-centromere locations.",
  "summary": "Centromeres link chromosomes to spindle microtubules to direct their segregation during mitosis. The vertebrate centromere is built on two critical DNA-binding proteins, the histone H3-variant CENP-A and histone fold protein CENP-T. CENP-T is a potent scaffold for kinetochore assembly, such that concentrating it at ectopic sites is sufficient to build kinetochore-like structures. How cells…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "bioRxiv",
        "title": "Functional characterization of the 26RFa/orexin neurons of the lateral hypothalamic area reveals their key role in the control of glucose homeostasis",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/functional-characterization-of-the-26rfa-orexin-neurons-of-the",
        "published": "2026-10-18T00:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}