CENPN

The protein encoded by this gene forms part of the nucleosome-associated complex and is important for kinetochore assembly. It is bound to kinetochores during S phase and G2 and recruits other proteins to the centromere. Pseudogenes of this gene are located on chromosome 2. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants that encode different protein isoforms.

Full Name

Centromere Protein N

Function

Component of the CENPA-NAC (nucleosome-associated) complex, a complex that plays a central role in assembly of kinetochore proteins, mitotic progression and chromosome segregation. The CENPA-NAC complex recruits the CENPA-CAD (nucleosome distal) complex and may be involved in incorporation of newly synthesized CENPA into centromeres. CENPN is the first protein to bind specifically to CENPA nucleosomes and the direct binding of CENPA nucleosomes by CENPN is required for centromere assembly. Required for chromosome congression and efficiently align the chromosomes on a metaphase plate.

Biological Process

CENP-A containing nucleosome assembly Source: Reactome
Chromosome segregation Source: InterPro
Kinetochore assembly Source: InterPro
Mitotic spindle organization Source: Reactome

Cellular Location

Nucleus; Kinetochore. Localizes exclusively in the kinetochore domain of centromeres. Kinetochore-bound levels decrease when cells enter mitosis and increase again when cells exit mitosis.