How Does Centromere Dysfunction Contribute to Cancer?
Centromere dysfunction can contribute to cancer in several ways:
1. Chromosomal Instability (CIN): Errors in centromere function can cause chromosomal instability, which is linked to cancer progression. CIN can lead to the gain or loss of entire chromosomes, promoting genetic diversity within tumors and enabling the selection of more aggressive cancer cells.
2. Aneuploidy: The incorrect segregation of chromosomes often results in aneuploidy, a condition where cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes. Aneuploidy is frequently observed in cancer cells and is associated with poor prognosis.
3. Alteration in Centromere Proteins: Changes in the expression or function of centromere-associated proteins, such as CENP-A, CENP-B, and CENP-C, can disrupt centromere integrity. Overexpression or mutations in these proteins have been linked to various cancers.
