Dynamic changes in CCAN organization during progression of the cell cycle are examined in chicken DT40 cells. CENP-C166-324 is sufficient for interphase centromere localization through association with CENP-L-N, and CENP-C643-864 is essential for mitotic centromere localization through binding to CENP-A nucleosomes.

The kinetochore is an essential structure for the chromosome segregation machinery in eukaryotes; it serves as a bridge between the spindle microtubules and chromosomes. The kinetochore consists of multiple interconnecting components on the centromere; therefore, understanding its formation, molecular function, and regulation has remained an ongoing challenge. Recent studies have provided new insights into centromere identity, kinetochore assembly, and function. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the function and regulation of key kinetochore components. We highlight the reciprocal localization dependencies of the different sub-complexes of the kinetochore and describe their regulation during the cell cycle.