KIF4A and PP2A–B56 form a spatially restricted feedback loop opposing Aurora B at the anaphase central spindle

Abstract

The mitotic kinase Aurora B is concentrated at the anaphase central spindle by the kinesin MKlp2 during mitotic exit and cytokinesis. This pool of Aurora B phosphorylates substrates including the kinesin KIF4A to regulate central spindle length. In this paper, we identify a counteracting system in which PP2A–B56γ and -ε, but not PP2A–B56α, -β, and -δ, are maintained at the central spindle by KIF4A. Biochemical assays show that PP2A–B56γ can dephosphorylate the T799 Aurora B site on KIF4A and thereby counteract the Aurora B– and microtubule-stimulated ATPase activity of KIF4A. In agreement with these observations, combined silencing of PP2A–B56γ and -ε resulted in increased phosphorylation of KIF4A T799 and decreased central spindle growth in anaphase B. Furthermore, reduced turnover of regulatory phosphorylation on another Aurora B substrate MKlp1 was observed, suggesting that PP2A–B56γ and -ε play a general role opposing Aurora B at the central spindle. KIF4A and PP2A–B56γ and -ε therefore create a spatially restricted negative feedback loop counteracting Aurora B in anaphase.