CENP-K is one of seven new CENP-A-nucleosome distal (CAD) centromere components (the others being CENP-L, CENP-O, CENP-P, CENP-Q, CENP-R and CENP-S) that are identified as assembling on the CENP-A nucleosome associated complex, NAC. The CENP-A NAC is essential, as disruption of the complex causes errors of chromosome alignment and segregation that preclude cell survival despite continued centromere-derived mitotic checkpoint signalling. CENP-K is centromere-associated through its interaction with one or more components of the CENP-A NAC.

1: The human CENP-A centromeric nucleosome-associated complex. Foltz DR, Jansen LE, Black BE, Bailey AO, Yates JR 3rd, Cleveland DW; Nat Cell Biol. 2006;8:458-469. PMID:16622419