Description
Centromere proteins are a group of proteins which form and/or mediate the function of centromeres, the central structures of chromosomes to which spindle fibers/microtubuli attach and pull the chromosomes apart in cell division. Currently, 9 centromere proteins are known and designated CENP-A to CENP-I. Most of the centromere proteins are targets of autoantibodies, the anti-centromere antibodies. CENP-A is another important centromeric autoantigen in addition to CENP-B: it has a molecular weight of approx. 20 kDa and is incorporated into centromeric chromatin due to its histone-like properties. CENP-A antibodies are an important marker for correct diagnosis of Scleroderma / CREST syndrome in CENP-B-autoantibody negative patients