Cnn1 inhibits the interactions between the KMN complexes of the yeast kinetochore

Kinetochores attach the replicated chromosomes to the mitotic spindle and orchestrate their transmission to the daughter cells. Kinetochore-spindle binding and chromosome segregation are mediated by the multi-copy KNL1 , MIS12 and NDC80 complexes that form the so-called KMN network. KMN-spindle attachment is regulated by the AuroraB and MPS1 kinases. It is unclear whether other mechanisms exist that support KMN activity during the cell cycle. Using budding yeast, we show that kinetochore protein Cnn1 localizes to the base of the Ndc80 complex and promotes a functionally competent configuration of the KMN network. Cnn1 regulates KMN activity in a spatiotemporal manner by inhibiting the interaction between its complexes. Cnn1 activity peaks in anaphase and is driven by the Cdc28, Mps1 and Ipl1 kinases. © 2012 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.