GO:0032133 chromosome passenger complex: Components, Assembly and Research Methods
Research-grade guide for scientists and biopharma professionals
Key Takeaways
• GO:0032133 (chromosome passenger complex, CPC) is a eukaryotically conserved protein complex that localizes to kinetochores in early mitosis, the spindle mid-zone in anaphase B, and the telophase midbody.
• The CPC is built around four core subunits: Aurora kinase (AURKB in humans), INCENP, Survivin (BIRC5), and Borealin (CDCA8).
• CPC function depends on dynamic localization and on phase separation driven by multivalent interactions among its subunits.
• Borealin-nucleosome interactions help secure chromosome association of the CPC during mitosis.
• CPC components and associated pathways are being explored as biomarkers, for example to differentiate normosensitive from radiosensitive ATM-mutated cells.
• Synthetic antibodies and engineered tools now allow detection of distinct cellular states of CPC proteins for research and diagnostic applications.
Description
The chromosome passenger complex (CPC), annotated as GO:0032133, is a eukaryotically conserved protein complex that localizes to kinetochores in early mitosis, the spindle mid-zone in anaphase B, and the telophase midbody. Because its position changes during mitosis, the CPC has been proposed to coordinate multiple events based on its location at different structures. The complex includes the BIR-domain-containing protein Survivin, Aurora kinase, INCENP, and Borealin. Early work established a role for the CPC in chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. More recent studies have revealed that the CPC is not a static entity but a modular and dynamic assembly whose properties can be rewired in divergent eukaryotes such as Plasmodium berghei. Structural and biophysical work has shown that the CPC can undergo phase separation, providing a mechanism for its dynamic localization and function. In parallel, the CPC has emerged as a candidate biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer and in DNA-damage-response contexts. This article summarizes the definition, composition, regulation, disease links, and research methods relevant to GO:0032133, with all factual claims supported by the verified citations listed at the end.
chromosome passenger complex At A Glance
| GO ID | GO:0032133 |
|---|---|
| GO term | chromosome passenger complex |
| Ontology | cellular_component |
| Synonym | chromosomal passenger complex; CPC; CPC complex |
| Major function | Coordinates chromosome segregation and cytokinesis through dynamic localization to kinetochores, spindle mid-zone, and midbody |
| Core subunits | Aurora kinase (AURKB), INCENP, Survivin (BIRC5), Borealin (CDCA8) |
| Localization | Kinetochores in early mitosis, spindle mid-zone in anaphase B, telophase midbody |
| Conservation | Eukaryotically conserved; modular in Plasmodium berghei |
| Biophysical property | Phase separation driven by multivalent subunit interactions |
What Is GO:0032133?
GO:0032133 (chromosome passenger complex) is defined in QuickGO as a eukaryotically conserved protein complex that localizes to kinetochores in early mitosis, the spindle mid-zone in anaphase B, and the telophase midbody. The definition notes that the complex has been proposed to coordinate various events based on its location at different structures during mitosis. Its members include the BIR-domain-containing protein Survivin, Aurora kinase, INCENP, and Borealin. Synonyms include chromosomal passenger complex, CPC, and CPC complex.
Why Is chromosome passenger complex Important in Cell Biology?
The chromosome passenger complex is essential for accurate chromosome segregation and cytokinesis, and its dysfunction is linked to aneuploidy, cancer, and radiosensitivity phenotypes. Because the CPC localizes to distinct mitotic structures in a cell-cycle-dependent manner, it serves as a paradigm for studying how protein complexes coordinate multiple events in space and time. Recent work showing that the CPC can phase separate and that its composition can be rewired in divergent eukaryotes highlights its value as a model for understanding dynamic protein assemblies. In translational research, CPC components and associated pathways are being evaluated as biomarkers to differentiate normosensitive from radiosensitive ATM-mutated cells. The availability of synthetic antibodies that detect distinct cellular states of CPC proteins further supports its importance as a research and diagnostic target.
• CPC is required for chromosome segregation and cytokinesis, making it central to genome stability.
• CPC localizes to kinetochores, spindle mid-zone, and midbody, coordinating multiple mitotic events.
• CPC components are candidate biomarkers for radiosensitivity in ATM-mutated cells.
• CPC phase separation provides a mechanism for dynamic assembly and regulation.
• Borealin-nucleosome interactions secure CPC chromosome association.
• CPC is conserved across eukaryotes but can be modular in divergent species.
• Synthetic antibodies enable detection of distinct CPC protein states.
• CPC is a potential target for cancer therapy and for understanding aneuploidy.
• CPC research informs studies of mitosis, cytokinesis, and DNA damage response.
• CPC tools support high-content imaging and proteomic studies of mitosis.
What Happens During chromosome passenger complex?
Early mitosis: kinetochore localization
In simple terms: In early mitosis, the CPC moves to the kinetochores to help control chromosome attachment.
The CPC localizes to kinetochores in early mitosis, where it is proposed to coordinate events based on its location. Borealin-nucleosome interaction secures chromosome association of the CPC, ensuring proper kinetochore targeting. This localization is essential for chromosome segregation and cytokinesis.
Anaphase B: spindle mid-zone
In simple terms: Later in mitosis, the CPC relocates to the spindle mid-zone to help organize the division machinery.
In anaphase B, the CPC localizes to the spindle mid-zone, a transition that is part of its dynamic redistribution during mitosis. This relocation is thought to coordinate events at the spindle mid-zone, contributing to cytokinesis.
Telophase: midbody
In simple terms: At the end of mitosis, the CPC concentrates at the midbody to finish cell division.
During telophase, the CPC localizes to the midbody, where it is proposed to coordinate events based on its location. This midbody localization is linked to cytokinesis, and disruption of CPC function impairs cell division.
Phase separation and dynamic assembly
In simple terms: The CPC can form droplets through phase separation, which helps it organize quickly at different places in the cell.
Structural studies have provided a basis for the phase separation of the CPC, driven by multivalent interactions among its subunits. This phase separation is proposed to underlie the dynamic assembly and localization of the CPC during mitosis.
Modular rewiring in divergent eukaryotes
In simple terms: In some organisms, the CPC parts can be rearranged to work differently.
A modular chromosomal passenger complex rewires chromosome segregation in Plasmodium berghei, showing that CPC composition and function can be adapted in divergent eukaryotes. This modularity highlights the evolutionary flexibility of the complex.
Key Genes Involved in GO:0032133 chromosome passenger complex
The following genes and proteins are core components or key regulators of the chromosome passenger complex (GO:0032133) based on the verified literature.
| Gene | Major Role | Research Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| AURKB | Aurora kinase subunit of CPC; regulates chromosome segregation and cytokinesis | Target for mitosis and cancer studies |
| INCENP | Scaffold subunit of CPC; essential for complex assembly and localization | Core component for structural and functional studies |
| BIRC5 (Survivin) | BIR-domain-containing subunit of CPC; involved in chromosome segregation and cytokinesis | Biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer |
| CDCA8 (Borealin) | Subunit of CPC; nucleosome interaction secures chromosome association | Key for CPC targeting and phase separation studies |
| AURKA | Aurora kinase family member; related to CPC-associated pathways | Candidate in radiosensitivity differentiation |
| ATM | DNA damage response kinase; associated with CPC pathway in radiosensitivity | Biomarker context for ATM-mutated cells |
| TP53 | Tumor suppressor; commonly studied with CPC in cancer | Cancer research model |
| PLK1 | Polo-like kinase; regulates mitotic progression with CPC | Mitosis research target |
| BUB1 | Spindle checkpoint kinase; functional interplay with CPC | Chromosome segregation studies |
| MAD2L1 | Spindle assembly checkpoint component; related to CPC function | Aneuploidy research |
| CENPA | Centromeric histone; marks centromeres where CPC acts | Kinetochore research |
| CENPB | Centromere protein; related to CPC localization | Centromere studies |
| KIF11 | Kinesin; mitotic spindle function linked to CPC | Mitosis model |
| ANLN | Anillin; cytokinesis regulator interacting with CPC | Cytokinesis research |
| RACGAP1 | Rho GTPase activating protein; midbody component with CPC | Midbody studies |
| ECT2 | Rho exchange factor; cytokinesis regulator | CPC-related cytokinesis |
| PRC1 | Protein regulator of cytokinesis; midzone component | Midzone research |
| KIF23 | Kinesin; midbody component | Cytokinesis model |
How Is chromosome passenger complex Regulated?
The chromosome passenger complex is regulated by dynamic localization, subunit interactions, and phase separation. Borealin-nucleosome interaction secures chromosome association, providing a targeting mechanism. The complex is also subject to regulation through its associated pathways, including ATM-related DNA damage responses, as suggested by studies in ATM-mutated cells. Synthetic antibodies that detect distinct cellular states of CPC proteins indicate that CPC subunits can adopt different conformations or modifications during mitosis. In divergent eukaryotes, the CPC can be rewired modularly, indicating species-specific regulatory adaptations.
chromosome passenger complex and Human Disease
| Gene | Disease / Biology | Potential Experimental Model |
|---|---|---|
| AURKB | Cancer, aneuploidy | Knockout or point-mutation cell lines |
| BIRC5 (Survivin) | Cancer, apoptosis resistance | Overexpression and knockout models |
| CDCA8 (Borealin) | Cancer, chromosome instability | Knock-in and knockout models |
| ATM | Radiosensitivity, DNA damage response | ATM-mutated cell lines |
| INCENP | Cancer, mitotic defects | Tagged knock-in for imaging |
Cancer and aneuploidy
CPC dysfunction is linked to chromosome missegregation and cytokinesis failure, which can lead to aneuploidy, a hallmark of cancer. Aurora kinase, Survivin, INCENP, and Borealin are all implicated in cancer biology, and the CPC is considered a potential therapeutic target. Targeting CPC components may disrupt mitotic progression in cancer cells.
Radiosensitivity and ATM mutations
CPC components and their associated pathways are promising candidates to differentiate between normosensitive and radiosensitive ATM-mutated cells. This suggests that CPC-related markers could help predict responses to radiation therapy in patients with ATM mutations.
Infectious disease and parasite biology
A modular chromosomal passenger complex rewires chromosome segregation in Plasmodium berghei, the malaria parasite, indicating that CPC components could be explored as targets in parasitic diseases. This highlights the broader relevance of CPC biology beyond human cells.
From chromosome passenger complex-Related Genes to Experimental Models
| Research Question | Suitable Model |
|---|---|
| What is the role of AURKB in mitosis? | AURKB knockout cell line |
| How does Borealin bind nucleosomes? | Borealin point-mutation knock-in |
| How does CPC phase separate? | Tagged knock-in with fluorescent proteins |
| Does CPC composition change in parasites? | Plasmodium berghei modular CPC model |
| Can CPC markers predict radiosensitivity? | ATM-mutated patient-derived cells |
| How do CPC proteins change conformation? | Synthetic antibody-based detection |
How to Study the chromosome passenger complex Process
| Method | What It Measures | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Live-cell imaging | Localization dynamics of CPC subunits | Mitosis studies |
| Synthetic antibodies | Distinct cellular states of CPC proteins | State-specific detection |
| Proteomics | CPC interactome and modifications | Complex composition |
| Structural biology | Phase separation basis | Assembly mechanisms |
| CRISPR knockout | Gene requirement for mitosis | Functional screens |
| CRISPR point mutation | Specific residue functions | Borealin-nucleosome interaction |
| CRISPR knock-in | Tagged protein localization | Imaging and tracking |
| Bioinformatics | Pathway and biomarker analysis | Radiosensitivity prediction |
Imaging and live-cell microscopy
Live-cell imaging with fluorescently tagged CPC subunits allows tracking of kinetochore, spindle mid-zone, and midbody localization during mitosis. Synthetic antibodies can detect distinct cellular states of CPC proteins.
Proteomics and interactomics
Proteomic approaches can identify CPC-associated proteins and post-translational modifications, helping to define the complex composition and its dynamic changes.
Structural biology and biophysics
Structural studies and biophysical assays have provided a basis for understanding CPC phase separation and subunit interactions. These methods reveal how multivalent interactions drive assembly.
Functional genomics and CRISPR screening
CRISPR knockout and point-mutation screens can test the requirement for CPC genes in chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. Such screens can also identify modifiers of CPC function.
How CRISPR Can Be Used to Study GO:0032133 chromosome passenger complex
Knockout
CRISPR knockout of CPC genes such as AURKB, INCENP, BIRC5, or CDCA8 can reveal their essential roles in chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. Knockout cell lines are useful for testing mitotic defects and aneuploidy.
Point Mutation
Point mutations can be introduced to dissect specific interactions, such as Borealin-nucleosome binding, which secures CPC chromosome association. Such models help define structure-function relationships.
Knock-in
Knock-in of fluorescent or affinity tags allows real-time tracking of CPC subunits at kinetochores, spindle mid-zone, and midbody. Tagged knock-in models are valuable for imaging and proteomics.
Overexpression
Overexpression of CPC components can be used to study their effects on mitosis and cytokinesis, and to model cancer-associated changes. Overexpression models may also reveal dominant-negative or gain-of-function phenotypes.
How EDITGENE Supports chromosome passenger complex Research
Researchers studying chromosome passenger complex-related genes often need to determine whether a candidate gene is causally involved in mitosis, cytokinesis, or disease phenotypes. EDITGENE provides CRISPR-based cell model services to enable such causal studies.
Contact EDITGENE today to design your custom CRISPR model for chromosome passenger complex research.
Related Products
| Product name | Cat.No. | Species | Gene ID | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AURKC Knockout HEK293 Cell Line | EDJ-KQ5858 | Human | 6795 | Details Get a Quote |
| AURKC Knockout A-549 Cell Line | EDJ-KQ29335 | Human | 6795 | Details Get a Quote |
| AURKC Knockout HCT 116 Cell Line | EDJ-KQ29336 | Human | 6795 | Details Get a Quote |
| AURKA Knockout HEK293 Cell Line | EDJ-KQ50666 | Human | 6790 | Details Get a Quote |
| AURKA Knockout HeLa Cell Line | EDJ-KQ54585 | Human | 6790 | Details Get a Quote |
| AURKC Knockout HeLa Cell Line | EDJ-KQ54586 | Human | 6795 | Details Get a Quote |
| AURKA Knockout A-549 Cell Line | EDJ-KQ63069 | Human | 6790 | Details Get a Quote |
| AURKA Knockout HCT 116 Cell Line | EDJ-KQ71545 | Human | 6790 | Details Get a Quote |
Frequently Asked Questions About chromosome passenger complex
What is the chromosome passenger complex?
The chromosome passenger complex (CPC) is a eukaryotically conserved protein complex that localizes to kinetochores in early mitosis, the spindle mid-zone in anaphase B, and the telophase midbody, and is proposed to coordinate multiple mitotic events.
What genes are involved in the chromosome passenger complex?
Core genes include AURKB (Aurora kinase), INCENP, BIRC5 (Survivin), and CDCA8 (Borealin).
What is GO:0032133?
GO:0032133 is the Gene Ontology identifier for the chromosome passenger complex, a cellular component.
Where does the chromosome passenger complex localize?
It localizes to kinetochores in early mitosis, the spindle mid-zone in anaphase B, and the telophase midbody.
What is the function of the chromosome passenger complex?
It coordinates chromosome segregation and cytokinesis, and is essential for accurate cell division.
How is the chromosome passenger complex regulated?
It is regulated by dynamic localization, subunit interactions, phase separation, and nucleosome binding by Borealin.
Is the chromosome passenger complex involved in cancer?
Yes, CPC dysfunction is linked to aneuploidy and cancer, and its components are potential therapeutic targets.
Can the chromosome passenger complex be studied with CRISPR?
Yes, CRISPR knockout, point mutation, knock-in, and overexpression models are used to study CPC genes.
What is the role of Borealin in the chromosome passenger complex?
Borealin-nucleosome interaction secures chromosome association of the CPC.
How does phase separation relate to the chromosome passenger complex?
Structural studies provide a basis for CPC phase separation, which is driven by multivalent subunit interactions.
Conclusion
The chromosome passenger complex (GO:0032133) is a dynamic, conserved protein assembly that coordinates chromosome segregation and cytokinesis through stage-specific localization and phase separation. Its core components, including AURKB, INCENP, BIRC5, and CDCA8, are central to mitosis and are linked to cancer and radiosensitivity. Advances in structural biology, synthetic antibodies, and CRISPR-based models continue to illuminate CPC biology and its potential as a therapeutic and biomarker target. Researchers can leverage EDITGENE services to build precise cell models for CPC studies.
References
- 1. Trivedi P et al.. 2020. A Condensed View of the Chromosome Passenger Complex.. Trends Cell Biol 30(9):676-687 PMID: 32684321
- 2. Terada Y. 2001. Role of chromosomal passenger complex in chromosome segregation and cytokinesis.. Cell Struct Funct 26(6):653-7 PMID: 11942622
- 3. Roques M et al.. 2026. A modular chromosomal passenger complex rewires chromosome segregation in Plasmodium berghei.. Nat Commun 17(1) PMID: 42323312
- 4. Bryan NW et al.. 2024. Structural basis for the phase separation of the chromosome passenger complex.. Elife 13 PMID: 38456462
- 5. Dietz A et al.. 2024. The Chromosome Passenger Complex (CPC) Components and Its Associated Pathways Are Promising Candidates to Differentiate Between Normosensitive and Radiosensitive ATM-Mutated Cells.. Biomark Insights 19:11772719241274017 PMID: 39493730
- 6. Abad MA et al.. 2019. Borealin-nucleosome interaction secures chromosome association of the chromosomal passenger complex.. J Cell Biol 218(12):3912-3925 PMID: 31570499
- 7. Bryan NW et al.. 2023. Structural Basis for the Phase Separation of the Chromosome Passenger Complex.. bioRxiv PMID: 37292983
- 8. Ura M et al.. 2022. Synthetic Antibodies Detect Distinct Cellular States of Chromosome Passenger Complex Proteins.. J Mol Biol 434(12):167602 PMID: 35469831
