Component of the CENPA-NAC (nucleosome-associated) complex, a complex that plays a central role in assembly of kinetochore proteins, mitotic progression and chromosome segregation (By similarity). The CENPA-NAC complex recruits the CENPA-CAD (nucleosome distal) complex and may be involved in incorporation of newly synthesized CENPA into centromeres (By similarity). Part of a nucleosome-associated complex that binds specifically to histone H3-containing nucleosomes at the centromere, as opposed to nucleosomes containing CENPA. Component of the heterotetrameric CENP-T-W-S-X complex that binds and supercoils DNA, and plays an important role in kinetochore assembly. CENPW has a fundamental role in kinetochore assembly and function. It is one of the inner kinetochore proteins, with most further proteins binding downstream. Required for normal chromosome organization and normal progress through mitosis.
Subcellular locations: Nucleus, Chromosome, Centromere, Chromosome, Centromere, Kinetochore, Nucleus matrix, Nucleus, Nucleolus
Constitutively localizes to centromeres throughout the cell cycle, and to the inner kinetochore during mitosis.
Highly expressed in ovary, liver, lung and pancreas and to a lower extent in breast and gastrointestinal tract cancers; such as those of the colon, rectum and stomach. Overexpressed in high grade breast invasive tumors. Expressed in many cancer cell types.