Incenp-flox Mouse

Incenp, or inner centromere protein, is crucial for correct chromosome segregation during mitosis. It is part of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC), which plays a vital role in multiple mitotic processes. The ATM-Chk2-INCENP pathway is involved in activating the abscission checkpoint, ensuring proper cytokinesis and preventing chromosome breakage or tetraploidization [1,6].

Phosphorylation of INCENP's intrinsically disordered region affects its conformational ensemble, influencing its cohesiveness and phase behavior, which is relevant for its function in the CPC [2]. INCENP paralogs in Oikopleura dioica show distinct localizations and subfunctionalization, regulating CPC functions during embryonic divisions [3]. INCENP binds directly to tubulin, and dynamic microtubules are required for its targeting to the cleavage furrow [4]. It is also essential for proper targeting of Survivin to the centromeres and anaphase spindle [5]. INCENP-aurora B interactions modulate kinase activity and CPC localization [7], and its localization at centromeres/inner kinetochores is required for chromosome bi-orientation in budding yeast [8]. Additionally, INCENP binds the Aurora-related kinase AIRK2 and is needed to target it to chromosomes, the central spindle, and cleavage furrow [9].

In conclusion, Incenp is integral to mitotic processes such as chromosome segregation, cytokinesis, and regulation of kinase activity. Understanding Incenp's functions through model-based research, including potential KO/CKO mouse models (not explicitly detailed in provided references but generally relevant for such gene function studies), could provide insights into mitotic-related diseases and chromosomal instability.