Spindle microtubules in flux

Gregory C. Rogers, Stephen L. Rogers, David J. Sharp

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

108 Scopus citations

Abstract

Accurate and timely chromosome segregation is a task performed within meiotic and mitotic cells by a specialized force-generating structure - the spindle. This micromachine is constructed from numerous proteins, most notably the filamentous microtubules that form a structural framework for the spindle and also transmit forces through it. Poleward flux is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism used by spindle microtubules both to move chromosomes and to regulate spindle length. Recent studies have identified a microtubule-depolymerizing kinesin as a key force-generating component required for flux. On the basis of these findings, we propose a new model for flux powered by a microtubule-disassembly mechanism positioned at the spindle pole. In addition, we use the flux model to explain the results of spindle manipulation experiments to illustrate the importance of flux for proper chromosome positioning.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1105-1116
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Cell Science
Volume118
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 15 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Kinesin
  • Microtubule
  • Mitosis
  • Poleward flux
  • Spindle

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cell Biology

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