Figure 3: Effect of CPC phase separation on centromere cohesion protection.

In the absence of CPC phase separation, the centromeric and inner centromeric chromatin under pulling forces (blue arrows) from the spindle microtubules (dark green bars) will get stretched. The cohesin molecules will bear most of the pulling forces, leading to weakening of the centromeric cohesion and an increase in the inter-centromere distance (red bar). In the presence of CPC phase separation and gelation at the inner centromere, the CPC condensate will undergo gelation on the chromatin and cohesins, leading to their entrapment in the gel. The CPC gel will provide mechanical stability to the inner centromere and reduce the strain on the cohesin molecules. This will lead to the preservation of centromeric cohesion and reduced distance between sister centromeres.