The spindle apparatus in early embryonic divisions of Ephestia Kuehniella Z. (Pyralidae, Lepidoptera) is formed by alignment of minispindles

Zygote ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klaus Werner Wolf
Keyword(s):  
Rare Case ◽  
Mitotic Division ◽  
Ephestia Kuehniella ◽  
Nuclear Area ◽  
Spindle Formation ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Spindle Apparatus ◽  
Tubulin Immunofluorescence ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Irregular Arrangement

SummarySpindles were isolated from deposited eggs of the Mediterranean mealmoth, Ephestia Kuehniella. Their structure and development were studied using anti-tubulin immunofluorescence. The microtubules were labelled with three different monoclonal antibodies. These were directed against β-tubulin, tyrosinated α-tubulin and acetylated α-tubulin. Significant differences in the staining behaviour were not detected with the three antibodies. An unusual mode of spindle formation was observed during the first mitotic division after fusion of the pronuclei. Several of the ensuing embryonic divisions may show the same phenomenon. Prophase of these divisions was characterised by an irregular arrangement of microtubules in the nuclear area. The microtubule mass in the nuclear area increased concomitantly with chromosome condensation. Microtubular foci, comparable to the forming asters of canonical spindles, were not detected. The formation of an orderly pattern in the microtubule mass was signalled by the appearance of minispindles apparently developing around individual chromosomes. Several minispindles subsequently aligned and formed metaphase-like entities within the nuclear area. The metaphase-like entities, in turn, aligned with one another and gave rise to a conventional bipolar metaphase spindle with small asters. The further development of the spindle was conventional. The chromosomes migrated towards the spindle poles and finally daughter nuclei formed. The anaphase and telophase spindles possessed both a prominent array of interzone microtubules and asters. The events in prophase of early embryonic mitosis of E. kuehniella may represent a rare case of chromosomeinduced spindle formation.

Differential pathways of recruitment for centrosomal antigens to the mitotic poles during bipolar spindle formation

1991 ◽  
Vol 100 (3) ◽  
pp. 533-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Maekawa ◽  
R. Kuriyama
Keyword(s):  
Drug Treatment ◽  
Single Cell ◽  
Subcellular Distribution ◽  
Immunofluorescence Staining ◽  
Cell Periphery ◽  
Spindle Formation ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Specific Manner ◽  
Bipolar Spindles ◽  
Antibody Localization

As cells enter mitosis, centrosomes undergo many transformations and become associated with different molecules in a stage-specific manner. We have developed a protocol for immunofluorescence staining with four antibody probes that can help us to follow the interaction of centrosomal components during mitosis. The cells were first stained with a human autoimmune serum (5051); a monoclonal anti-phosphocentrosomal antibody (CHO3); and an antitubulin antibody. Localization of the antibodies was detected using rhodamine-, fluorescein- and AMCA-conjugated second antibodies, respectively. After photographing marked mitotic cells, coverslips were soaked with 0.2 M glycine-HCl at pH 1.0 for 1 h to release all antibodies bound to the structures. The same cells were re-stained with a human autoantibody (SP-H) specific for spindle poles and a fluorescein-conjugated second antibody. This allowed us to compare the subcellular distribution of three kinds of centrosomal antigens in a single cell. Mitotic PtK1 cells treated with either nocodazole or taxol included microtubule-containing cytoplasmic foci and parallel bundles of short microtubules at the cell periphery. All the centrosomal antibodies stained the same one or two dots corresponding to structures labeled by the tubulin antibody. CHO3 also revealed extra cytoplasmic foci, whereas the SP-H antigen was additionally localized at one end of the free microtubule bundles. As the microtubules reorganized into bipolar spindles during the recovery from drug treatment, the CHO3 and SP-H antigens coalesced into the spindle poles where the 5051 antigen was located, suggesting that centrosomal antigens become associated with spindle poles through very different recruitment pathways.

scholarly journals The association of Plk1 with the astrin–kinastrin complex promotes formation and maintenance of a metaphase plate

2020 ◽  
Vol 134 (1) ◽  
pp. jcs251025
Author(s):  
Zoë Geraghty ◽  
Christina Barnard ◽  
Pelin Uluocak ◽  
Ulrike Gruneberg
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Metaphase Plate ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Mitotic Chromosomes ◽  
Spindle Formation ◽  
Bipolar Spindle ◽  
Mitotic Kinase ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Chromosome Congression ◽  
Chromosome Alignment

ABSTRACTErrors in mitotic chromosome segregation can lead to DNA damage and aneuploidy, both hallmarks of cancer. To achieve synchronous error-free segregation, mitotic chromosomes must align at the metaphase plate with stable amphitelic attachments to microtubules emanating from opposing spindle poles. The astrin–kinastrin (astrin is also known as SPAG5 and kinastrin as SKAP) complex, also containing DYNLL1 and MYCBP, is a spindle and kinetochore protein complex with important roles in bipolar spindle formation, chromosome alignment and microtubule–kinetochore attachment. However, the molecular mechanisms by which astrin–kinastrin fulfils these diverse roles are not fully understood. Here, we characterise a direct interaction between astrin and the mitotic kinase Plk1. We identify the Plk1-binding site on astrin as well as four Plk1 phosphorylation sites on astrin. Regulation of astrin by Plk1 is dispensable for bipolar spindle formation and bulk chromosome congression, but promotes stable microtubule–kinetochore attachments and metaphase plate maintenance. It is known that Plk1 activity is required for effective microtubule–kinetochore attachment formation, and we suggest that astrin phosphorylation by Plk1 contributes to this process.

scholarly journals Aster-free spindle poles in insect spermatocytes: evidence for chromosome-induced spindle formation?

1986 ◽  
Vol 102 (5) ◽  
pp. 1679-1687 ◽  
Author(s):  
W Steffen ◽  
H Fuge ◽  
R Dietz ◽  
M Bastmeyer ◽  
G Müller
Keyword(s):  
Spindle Pole ◽  
Serial Sections ◽  
Spindle Formation ◽  
Microtubule Polymerization ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Pericentriolar Material ◽  
Lysis Buffer ◽  
Bipolar Spindles

Tipulid spermatocytes form normally functioning bipolar spindles after one of the centrosomes is experimentally dislocated from the nucleus in late diakinesis (Dietz, R., 1959, Z. Naturforsch., 14b:749-752; Dietz, R., 1963, Zool. Anz. Suppl., 23:131-138; Dietz, R., 1966, Heredity, 19:161-166). The possibility that dissociated pericentriolar material (PCM) is nevertheless responsible for the formation of the spindle in these cells cannot be ruled out based on live observation. In studying serial sections of complete cells and of lysed cells, it was found that centrosome-free spindle poles in the crane fly show neither pericentriolar-like material nor aster microtubules, whereas the displaced centrosomes appear complete, i.e., consist of a centriole pair, aster microtubules, and PCM. Exposure to a lysis buffer containing tubulin resulted in an increase of centrosomal asters due to aster microtubule polymerization. Aster-free spindle poles did not show any reaction, also indicating the absence of PCM at these poles. The results favor the hypothesis of chromosome-induced spindle pole formation at the onset of prometaphase and the dispensability of PCM in Pales.

scholarly journals The Nek6 and Nek7 Protein Kinases Are Required for Robust Mitotic Spindle Formation and Cytokinesis

2009 ◽  
Vol 29 (14) ◽  
pp. 3975-3990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura O'Regan ◽  
Andrew M. Fry
Keyword(s):  
Mitotic Spindle ◽  
Spindle Assembly Checkpoint ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Mitotic Progression ◽  
Serine Threonine Kinase ◽  
Spindle Formation ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
And Function ◽  
Interfering Rna ◽  
Reduced Activity

ABSTRACT Nek6 and Nek7 are members of the NIMA-related serine/threonine kinase family. Previous work showed that they contribute to mitotic progression downstream of another NIMA-related kinase, Nek9, although the roles of these different kinases remain to be defined. Here, we carried out a comprehensive analysis of the regulation and function of Nek6 and Nek7 in human cells. By generating specific antibodies, we show that both Nek6 and Nek7 are activated in mitosis and that interfering with their activity by either depletion or expression of reduced-activity mutants leads to mitotic arrest and apoptosis. Interestingly, while completely inactive mutants and small interfering RNA-mediated depletion delay cells at metaphase with fragile mitotic spindles, hypomorphic mutants or RNA interference treatment combined with a spindle assembly checkpoint inhibitor delays cells at cytokinesis. Importantly, depletion of either Nek6 or Nek7 leads to defective mitotic progression, indicating that although highly similar, they are not redundant. Indeed, while both kinases localize to spindle poles, only Nek6 obviously localizes to spindle microtubules in metaphase and anaphase and to the midbody during cytokinesis. Together, these data lead us to propose that Nek6 and Nek7 play independent roles not only in robust mitotic spindle formation but also potentially in cytokinesis.

scholarly journals A novel, dynein-independent mechanism focuses the endoplasmic reticulum around spindle poles in dividing Drosophila spermatocytes

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darya Karabasheva ◽  
Jeremy T. Smyth
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Animal Cells ◽  
Specific Mechanism ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Spindle Apparatus ◽  
Independent Mechanism ◽  
M Phase ◽  
Dividing Cells

AbstractIn dividing animal cells the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) concentrates around the poles of the spindle apparatus by associating with astral microtubules (MTs), and this association is essential for proper ER partitioning to progeny cells. The mechanisms that associate the ER with astral MTs are unknown. Because astral MT minus-ends are anchored by centrosomes at spindle poles, we tested the hypothesis that the MT minus-end motor dynein mediates ER concentration around spindle poles. Live in vivo imaging of Drosophila spermatocytes undergoing the first meiotic division revealed that dynein is required for ER concentration around centrosomes during interphase. In marked contrast, however, dynein suppression had no effect on ER association with astral MTs and concentration around spindle poles in early M-phase. Importantly though, there was a sudden onset of ER-astral MT association in Dhc64C RNAi cells, revealing activation of an M-phase specific mechanism. ER redistribution to spindle poles also did not require non-claret disjunctional (ncd), the other known Drosophila MT minus-end motor, nor Klp61F, a MT plus-end motor that generates spindle poleward forces. Collectively, our results suggest that a novel, M-phase specific mechanism of ER-MT association that is independent of MT minus-end motors is required for proper ER partitioning in dividing cells.

scholarly journals Centriole and PCM cooperatively recruit CEP192 to spindle poles to promote bipolar spindle assembly

2021 ◽  
Vol 220 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takumi Chinen ◽  
Kaho Yamazaki ◽  
Kaho Hashimoto ◽  
Ken Fujii ◽  
Koki Watanabe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
A549 Cells ◽  
Spindle Assembly ◽  
Spindle Pole ◽  
Scaffold Proteins ◽  
Spindle Formation ◽  
Bipolar Spindle ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Pericentriolar Material ◽  
Mitotic Cells

The pericentriolar material (PCM) that accumulates around the centriole expands during mitosis and nucleates microtubules. Here, we show the cooperative roles of the centriole and PCM scaffold proteins, pericentrin and CDK5RAP2, in the recruitment of CEP192 to spindle poles during mitosis. Systematic depletion of PCM proteins revealed that CEP192, but not pericentrin and/or CDK5RAP2, was crucial for bipolar spindle assembly in HeLa, RPE1, and A549 cells with centrioles. Upon double depletion of pericentrin and CDK5RAP2, CEP192 that remained at centriole walls was sufficient for bipolar spindle formation. In contrast, through centriole removal, we found that pericentrin and CDK5RAP2 recruited CEP192 at the acentriolar spindle pole and facilitated bipolar spindle formation in mitotic cells with one centrosome. Furthermore, the perturbation of PLK1, a critical kinase for PCM assembly, efficiently suppressed bipolar spindle formation in mitotic cells with one centrosome. Overall, these data suggest that the centriole and PCM scaffold proteins cooperatively recruit CEP192 to spindle poles and facilitate bipolar spindle formation.

The Life cycle of two Species of “Selenidium” from the Polychaete Worm Potamilla reniformis

Parasitology ◽  
1933 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. L. Mackinnon ◽  
H. N. Ray
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Type Species ◽  
New Genus ◽  
Sea Water ◽  
Residual Body ◽  
Nuclear Area ◽  
King's College ◽  
High Commissioner ◽  
Multiple Association ◽  
Further Development

1. Two new schizogregarines are described from the gut of the polychaete worm Potamilla reniformis (O.F.M.). One of these is meanwhile retained in the genus Selenidium Giard as S. potamillae n.sp. For the other a new genus, Meroselenidium, is proposed, of which M. keilini is the type species. The life cycle has been followed in both gregarines.2. The schizogony of Meroselenidium is characterised by the formation of cytomeres preliminary to the liberation of merozoites. In Selenidium potamillae the schizogony is more like that in S. mesnili and S. caulleryi, though there is a considerable residual body.3. The gametocytes become attached by their posterior ends. In S. potamillae there is often a multiple association. The gamete nuclei are formed within the nuclear area of the gametocytes. Further development takes place in sea water. Isogametes have been observed in S. potamillae.4.The gametocyst of Meroselenidium keilini is elliptical in outline and measures about 70 × 55μ. It contains some twenty relatively large spores, 27 × 15μ, the walls of which are transversely ridged; the spores are polyzoic. The gametocyst of S. potamillae is of much the same shape, but only about half the size. The sporocysts are very numerous, spherical, smooth-walled, and measure about 8·5μ in diameter. In neither species does the gametocyst contain any residual mass.We take this opportunity of thanking the High Commissioner of India and the Delegacy of King's College for grants-in-aid received by one of us (H. N. R.) during the course of these investigations.

scholarly journals Centriole and PCM cooperatively recruit CEP192 to spindle poles to promote bipolar spindle assembly

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takumi Chinen ◽  
Kaho Yamazaki ◽  
Kaho Hashimoto ◽  
Ken Fujii ◽  
Koki Watanabe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Lines ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Spindle Pole ◽  
Human Cells ◽  
Spindle Formation ◽  
Bipolar Spindle ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Pericentriolar Material ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Chemical Perturbation

The pericentriolar material (PCM) that accumulates around the centriole expands during mitosis and nucleates microtubules. While centrosomes facilitate bipolar spindle formation, the individual functions of the centriole and PCM in mitosis remain elusive. Herein, we show the redundant roles of the centriole and PCM in bipolar spindle formation in human cells. Upon depletion of the PCM scaffold components, pericentrin and CDK5RAP2, centrioles remained able to recruit CEP192 onto their walls, which was sufficient for bipolar spindle formation. In contrast, through centriole removal, we found that pericentrin and CDK5RAP2 recruited CEP192 at the acentriolar spindle pole and facilitated bipolar spindle formation in mitotic cells with one centrosome. Furthermore, the chemical perturbation of polo-like kinase 1, a critical kinase for PCM assembly, efficiently suppressed the proliferation of various cancer cell lines from which centrioles were removed. Overall, these data suggest that the centriole and PCM cooperatively recruit CEP192 to spindle poles and facilitate bipolar spindle formation in human cells.

scholarly journals Mio depletion links mTOR regulation to Aurora A and Plk1 activation at mitotic centrosomes

2015 ◽  
Vol 210 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melpomeni Platani ◽  
Laura Trinkle-Mulcahy ◽  
Michael Porter ◽  
A. Arockia Jeyaprakash ◽  
William C. Earnshaw
Keyword(s):  
Mitotic Spindle ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Mtor Signaling ◽  
Aurora A Kinase ◽  
Aurora A ◽  
Spindle Formation ◽  
Major Function ◽  
Mitotic Kinases ◽  
Spindle Poles

Coordination of cell growth and proliferation in response to nutrient supply is mediated by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. In this study, we report that Mio, a highly conserved member of the SEACAT/GATOR2 complex necessary for the activation of mTORC1 kinase, plays a critical role in mitotic spindle formation and subsequent chromosome segregation by regulating the proper concentration of active key mitotic kinases Plk1 and Aurora A at centrosomes and spindle poles. Mio-depleted cells showed reduced activation of Plk1 and Aurora A kinase at spindle poles and an impaired localization of MCAK and HURP, two key regulators of mitotic spindle formation and known substrates of Aurora A kinase, resulting in spindle assembly and cytokinesis defects. Our results indicate that a major function of Mio in mitosis is to regulate the activation/deactivation of Plk1 and Aurora A, possibly by linking them to mTOR signaling in a pathway to promote faithful mitotic progression.

scholarly journals Non-spindle microtubule organizing centers in metaphase II-arrested mouse oocytes.

1985 ◽  
Vol 101 (5) ◽  
pp. 1665-1672 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Maro ◽  
S K Howlett ◽  
M Webb
Keyword(s):  
Critical Concentration ◽  
Metaphase Plate ◽  
Mitotic Division ◽  
Cell Cortex ◽  
Mouse Development ◽  
Spindle Microtubule ◽  
Microtubule Organizing Centers ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Peripheral Position ◽  
Pericentriolar Material

A human autoantiserum (5051) directed against pericentriolar material (PCM) was used to study the distribution of microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs) in the oocyte and during the first cell cycle of mouse development. In oocytes, the PCM was found not only at the poles of the barrel-shaped metaphase II spindle but also at many discrete loci around the cytoplasm near the cell cortex. The spindle poles were also composed of several PCM foci. In metaphase-arrested eggs only the PCM foci located near the chromosomes acted as MTOCs. However, after reduction of the critical concentration for tubulin polymerization by taxol, the cytoplasmic PCM foci were also found to be associated with nucleation of microtubules. After fertilization the cortical PCM foci remained in a peripheral position until the end of the S phase, when they appeared to migrate centrally towards the pronuclei. At prometaphase of the first mitotic division, numerous MTOCs were found around the two sets of chromosomes; these MTOCs then aligned to form two bands on either side of the metaphase plate of the first mitosis.

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