Significance
The mitotic checkpoint (or the spindle assembly checkpoint) ensures genome integrity by preventing premature chromosome segregation. The pathway is triggered locally by kinetochores, multiprotein complexes assembled onto centromeres. Unattached kinetochores produce Mad2 bound to Cdc20, the mitotic activator of the E3 ubiquitin ligase APC/C. The initial Mad2–Cdc20 complex is then converted into the final mitotic checkpoint inhibitor Bub3–BubR1–Cdc20 that blocks APC/C (anaphase promoting complex or cyclosome)-dependent ubiquitination of cyclin B and securin, thereby stabilizing them and preventing an advance to anaphase. In this study, we identify dual mechanisms by which Bub3 promotes mitotic checkpoint signaling. Bub3 binding to BubR1 promotes two distinct BubR1–Cdc20 interactions, one acting at unattached kinetochores and the other cytoplasmically to facilitate production of the mitotic checkpoint inhibitor.