Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase localizes to the centrosomes and chromosomes

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) takes part mainly in regulation of DNA r epair, thereby maintaining genomic stability in the nucleus. However, what role PARP plays in mitotic cells is not known. Centrosomes play an importan t role in maintaining the fidelity of chromosome distribution during cell d ivision. Loss of these functions might cause chromosomal instability and an euploidy. p53 and BRCA1 were recently found to localize to the centrosome a t mitosis. We found that PARP is localized to the centrosomes and the chrom osomes at cell-division phase and interphase by indirect immunofluorescence . Furthermore, by analysis of isolated centrosomes PARP protein was found t o associate with the centrosomes during mitosis. These data suggest that PA RP may be involved in maintenance of chromosomal stability. (C) 2000 Academ ic Press.