How Do Kinetochores Contribute to Chromosomal Instability in Cancer?
Aberrations in kinetochore structure and function can lead to defective chromosome segregation, thereby contributing to CIN. Mutations in kinetochore proteins, overexpression or underexpression of these proteins, and post-translational modifications can all disrupt the normal functioning of the kinetochore. For instance, alterations in the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), which monitors kinetochore-microtubule attachments, can result in premature or incorrect chromosome segregation, leading to aneuploidy.
