Spindle and kinetochore-associated protein 1 (SKA1)

Spindle and kinetochore-associated protein 1 (SKA1) is a core subunit of the SKA complex, which localizes to the kinetochore during mitosis and is crucial for the stable attachment of spindle microtubules to kinetochores, promoting accurate chromosome segregation and silencing of the spindle assembly checkpoint[1][2][3]. Structurally, SKA1 contains domains responsible for direct microtubule binding and mediates interactions with other kinetochore components, notably assisting in chromosome congression and maintenance of the metaphase plate. Dysregulated or overexpressed SKA1 has been associated with aggressive tumor phenotypes, poor prognosis, increased proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy in various cancers, making it a proposed prognostic biomarker and candidate therapeutic target[1][3][4][5].\n\nThis entry is supported by experimental and clinical biomarker studies, but SKA1 is not yet an approved therapeutic drug target, nor is it classified in the classic receptor/enzyme/transporter framework.

Other names

SKA complex subunit 1C18orf24MGC10200Spindle and kinetochore-associated complex subunit 1spindle and KT-associated 1spindle and kinetochore-associated protein 1SKA1_HUMAN[1]

Silencing or inhibition of SKA1 leads to cell cycle arrest, decreased cell proliferation, and increased sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents in cancer cells[4]; mechanistically, targeting SKA1 disrupts kinetochore–microtubule coupling and proper mitotic progression[1][3][4].