Centromere-associated protein E is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CENPE gene.

Centrosome-associated protein E is a kinesin-like motor protein that accumulates in the G2 phase of the cell cycle. Unlike other centrosome-associated proteins, it is not present during interphase and first appears at the centromere region of chromosomes during prometaphase. CENPE is proposed to be one of the motors responsible for mammalian chromosome movement and/or spindle elongation. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]. Publication Note: This RefSeq record includes a subset of the publications that are available for this gene. Please see the Gene record to access additional publications.
Function: Essential for the maintenance of chromosomal stability through efficient stabilization of microtubule capture at kinetochores. Plays a key role in the movement of chromosomes toward the metaphase plate during mitosis. Is a slow plus end-directed motor whose activity is essential for metaphase chromosome alignment. Couples chromosome position to microtubule depolymerizing activity. The highly processive microtubule-dependent motor activity of CENPE serves to power chromosome congression and provides a flexible, motile tether linking kinetochores to dynamic spindle microtubules. Necessary for the mitotic checkpoint signal at individual kinetochores to prevent aneuploidy due to single chromosome loss. Required for the efficient recruitment of BUBR1, MAD1 and MAD2 to attached and newly unattached kinetochores. Stimulates mammalian BUBR1 kinase activity. Accumulates just before mitosis at the G2 phase of the cell cycle.