Mitotic motors and chromosome segregation: the mechanism of anaphase B

2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 1149-1153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingrid Brust-Mascher ◽  
Jonathan M. Scholey
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Cyclin B ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Mitotic Motors ◽  
Balance Of Forces ◽  
Spindle Elongation ◽  
Anaphase B ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Acting In Concert

Anaphase B spindle elongation plays an important role in chromosome segregation. In the present paper, we discuss our model for anaphase B in Drosophila syncytial embryos, in which spindle elongation depends on an ip (interpolar) MT (microtubule) sliding filament mechanism generated by homotetrameric kinesin-5 motors acting in concert with poleward ipMT flux, which acts as an ‘on/off’ switch. Specifically, the pre-anaphase B spindle is maintained at a steady-state length by the balance between ipMT sliding and ipMT depolymerization at spindle poles, producing poleward flux. Cyclin B degradation at anaphase B onset triggers: (i) an MT catastrophe gradient causing ipMT plus ends to invade the overlap zone where ipMT sliding forces are generated; and (ii) the inhibition of ipMT minus-end depolymerization so flux is turned ‘off’, tipping the balance of forces to allow outward ipMT sliding to push apart the spindle poles. We briefly comment on the relationship of this model to anaphase B in other systems.

scholarly journals The microtubule cross-linker Feo controls the midzone stability, motor composition, and elongation of the anaphase B spindle in Drosophila embryos

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 1452-1462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haifeng Wang ◽  
Ingrid Brust-Mascher ◽  
Jonathan M. Scholey
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Cross Link ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Cross Linker ◽  
Spindle Elongation ◽  
Anaphase B ◽  
Drosophila Embryos ◽  
Poleward Flux

Chromosome segregation during anaphase depends on chromosome-to-pole motility and pole-to-pole separation. We propose that in Drosophila embryos, the latter process (anaphase B) depends on a persistent kinesin-5–generated interpolar (ip) microtubule (MT) sliding filament mechanism that “engages” to push apart the spindle poles when poleward flux is turned off. Here we investigated the contribution of the midzonal, antiparallel MT-cross-linking nonmotor MAP, Feo, to this “slide-and-flux-or-elongate” mechanism. Whereas Feo homologues in other systems enhance the midzone localization of the MT-MT cross-linking motors kinesin-4, -5 and -6, the midzone localization of these motors is respectively enhanced, reduced, and unaffected by Feo. Strikingly, kinesin-5 localizes all along ipMTs of the anaphase B spindle in the presence of Feo, including at the midzone, but the antibody-induced dissociation of Feo increases kinesin-5 association with the midzone, which becomes abnormally narrow, leading to impaired anaphase B and incomplete chromosome segregation. Thus, although Feo and kinesin-5 both preferentially cross-link MTs into antiparallel polarity patterns, kinesin-5 cannot substitute for loss of Feo function. We propose that Feo controls the organization, stability, and motor composition of antiparallel ipMTs at the midzone, thereby facilitating the kinesin-5–driven sliding filament mechanism underlying proper anaphase B spindle elongation and chromosome segregation.

scholarly journals Quantitative analysis of an anaphase B switch: predicted role for a microtubule catastrophe gradient

2007 ◽  
Vol 177 (6) ◽  
pp. 995-1004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhanya K. Cheerambathur ◽  
Gul Civelekoglu-Scholey ◽  
Ingrid Brust-Mascher ◽  
Patrizia Sommi ◽  
Alex Mogilner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching ◽  
Complete Recovery ◽  
Cyclin B ◽  
Spatial Gradient ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Spindle Elongation ◽  
Anaphase B ◽  
Mechanical Switch ◽  
Lower Recovery ◽  
Drosophila Embryos

Anaphase B in Drosophila embryos is initiated by the inhibition of microtubule (MT) depolymerization at spindle poles, which allows outwardly sliding interpolar (ip) MTs to drive pole–pole separation. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, we observed that MTs throughout the preanaphase B spindle are very dynamic and display complete recovery of fluorescence, but during anaphase B, MTs proximal to the poles stabilize and therefore display lower recovery than those elsewhere. Fluorescence microscopy of the MT tip tracker EB1 revealed that growing MT plus ends localize throughout the preanaphase B spindle but concentrate in the overlap region of interpolar MTs (ipMTs) at anaphase B onset. None of these changes occurred in the presence of nondegradable cyclin B. Modeling suggests that they depend on the establishment of a spatial gradient of MT plus-end catastrophe frequencies, decreasing toward the equator. The resulting redistribution of ipMT plus ends to the overlap zone, together with the suppression of minus-end depolymerization at the poles, could constitute a mechanical switch that initiates spindle elongation.

scholarly journals Functional Coordination of Three Mitotic Motors inDrosophila Embryos

2000 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 241-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Sharp ◽  
Heather M. Brown ◽  
Mijung Kwon ◽  
Gregory C. Rogers ◽  
Gina Holland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Cytoplasmic Dynein ◽  
Spindle Pole ◽  
Nuclear Envelope Breakdown ◽  
Mitotic Motors ◽  
Balance Of Forces ◽  
Spindle Elongation ◽  
And Function ◽  
Anaphase B ◽  
Drosophila Embryos

It is well established that multiple microtubule-based motors contribute to the formation and function of the mitotic spindle, but how the activities of these motors interrelate remains unclear. Here we visualize spindle formation in living Drosophila embryos to show that spindle pole movements are directed by a temporally coordinated balance of forces generated by three mitotic motors, cytoplasmic dynein, KLP61F, and Ncd. Specifically, our findings suggest that dynein acts to move the poles apart throughout mitosis and that this activity is augmented by KLP61F after the fenestration of the nuclear envelope, a process analogous to nuclear envelope breakdown, which occurs at the onset of prometaphase. Conversely, we find that Ncd generates forces that pull the poles together between interphase and metaphase, antagonizing the activity of both dynein and KLP61F and serving as a brake for spindle assembly. During anaphase, however, Ncd appears to have no effect on spindle pole movements, suggesting that its activity is down-regulated at this time, allowing dynein and KLP61F to drive spindle elongation during anaphase B.

scholarly journals Patronin mediates a switch from kinesin-13–dependent poleward flux to anaphase B spindle elongation

2013 ◽  
Vol 203 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haifeng Wang ◽  
Ingrid Brust-Mascher ◽  
Gul Civelekoglu-Scholey ◽  
Jonathan M. Scholey
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Present Evidence ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Spindle Elongation ◽  
Anaphase B ◽  
Poleward Flux

Anaphase B spindle elongation contributes to chromosome segregation during Drosophila melanogaster embryo mitosis. We propose that this process is driven by a kinesin-5–generated interpolar microtubule (MT; ipMT) sliding filament mechanism that engages when poleward flux is turned off. In this paper, we present evidence that anaphase B is induced by the minus end–stabilizing protein Patronin, which antagonizes the kinesin-13 depolymerase KLP10A at spindle poles, thereby switching off the depolymerization of the minus ends of outwardly sliding ipMTs to suppress flux. Although intact cortices, kinetochore MTs, and midzone augmentation are dispensable, this Patronin-based change in ipMT minus-end dynamics is sufficient to induce the elongation of spindles capable of separating chromosomes.

scholarly journals Microtubule Flux and Sliding in Mitotic Spindles ofDrosophila Embryos

2002 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 3967-3975 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingrid Brust-Mascher ◽  
Jonathan M. Scholey
Keyword(s):  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Pole Motion ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Balance Of Forces ◽  
Anaphase B

We proposed that spindle morphogenesis in Drosophilaembryos involves progression through four transient isometric structures in which a constant spacing of the spindle poles is maintained by a balance of forces generated by multiple microtubule (MT) motors and that tipping this balance drives pole-pole separation. Here we used fluorescent speckle microscopy to evaluate the influence of MT dynamics on the isometric state that persists through metaphase and anaphase A and on pole-pole separation in anaphase B. During metaphase and anaphase A, fluorescent punctae on kinetochore and interpolar MTs flux toward the poles at 0.03 μm/s, too slow to drive chromatid-to-pole motion at 0.11 μm/s, and during anaphase B, fluorescent punctae on interpolar MTs move away from the spindle equator at the same rate as the poles, consistent with MT-MT sliding. Loss of Ncd, a candidate flux motor or brake, did not affect flux in the metaphase/anaphase A isometric state or MT sliding in anaphase B but decreased the duration of the isometric state. Our results suggest that, throughout this isometric state, an outward force exerted on the spindle poles by MT sliding motors is balanced by flux, and that suppression of flux could tip the balance of forces at the onset of anaphase B, allowing MT sliding and polymerization to push the poles apart.

Anaphase Movements in the Living Cell

1948 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. F. HUGHES ◽  
M. M. SWANN
Keyword(s):  
Fibre Length ◽  
Polarized Light ◽  
Embryonic Cells ◽  
Contractile Mechanism ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Chromosome Separation ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Chromosome Movements ◽  
Spindle Fibres

1. The anaphase movements of living embryonic cells of the chick in tissue culture have been studied in phase contrast illumination, and in polarized light. Ciné-photographic records of chromosome movements and spindle changes have thereby been obtained simultaneously. 2. Chromosome separation in the chick is made up of two components--a movement of chromosomes towards the spindle poles, and an elongation of the spindle as a whole. 3. The assumption is made that the force acting on a chromosome is directly proportional to the velocity with which the chromosome moves. If this assumption is accepted as an approximation, it is possible to interpret the relationship of chromosome velocity to chromosome separation and spindle-fibre length. This leads to the conclusion that anaphase movement is due, not to repulsion between chromosomes, but to a contractile mechanism operating from the spindle poles. 4. Polarized light studies indicate that the orientation of the spindle material is high at the poles, and weaker at the equator. There is a small aster at either end of the spindle. 5. The centrosomes are interpreted as centres of an orienting force, which build up the contractile mechanism of the spindle from isotropic protoplasm. It is suggested that asters may also be contractile, and cause elongation of the spindle. 6. The inadequacy of the old conception of spindle fibres is discussed in the light of more modern views on molecular behaviour.

scholarly journals Nsk1 ensures accurate chromosome segregation by promoting association of kinetochores to spindle poles during anaphase B

2011 ◽  
Vol 22 (23) ◽  
pp. 4486-4502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham J. Buttrick ◽  
John C. Meadows ◽  
Theresa C. Lancaster ◽  
Vincent Vanoosthuyse ◽  
Lindsey A. Shepperd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Spindle Pole Body ◽  
Spindle Pole ◽  
Growth Defect ◽  
Catalytic Subunits ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Sister Chromatids ◽  
Anaphase B ◽  
Novel Protein

Type 1 phosphatase (PP1) antagonizes Aurora B kinase to stabilize kinetochore–microtubule attachments and to silence the spindle checkpoint. We screened for factors that exacerbate the growth defect of Δdis2 cells, which lack one of two catalytic subunits of PP1 in fission yeast, and identified Nsk1, a novel protein required for accurate chromosome segregation. During interphase, Nsk1 resides in the nucleolus but spreads throughout the nucleoplasm as cells enter mitosis. Following dephosphorylation by Clp1 (Cdc14-like) phosphatase and at least one other phosphatase, Nsk1 localizes to the interface between kinetochores and the inner face of the spindle pole body during anaphase. In the absence of Nsk1, some kinetochores become detached from spindle poles during anaphase B. If this occurs late in anaphase B, then the sister chromatids of unclustered kinetochores segregate to the correct daughter cell. These unclustered kinetochores are efficiently captured, retrieved, bioriented, and segregated during the following mitosis, as long as Dis2 is present. However, if kinetochores are detached from a spindle pole early in anaphase B, then these sister chromatids become missegregated. These data suggest Nsk1 ensures accurate chromosome segregation by promoting the tethering of kinetochores to spindle poles during anaphase B.

scholarly journals Central-spindle microtubules are strongly coupled to chromosomes during both anaphase A and anaphase B

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (19) ◽  
pp. 2503-2514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Che-Hang Yu ◽  
Stefanie Redemann ◽  
Hai-Yin Wu ◽  
Robert Kiewisz ◽  
Tae Yeon Yoo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Tomographic Reconstruction ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Strongly Coupled ◽  
Central Spindle ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Meiotic Spindles ◽  
Spindle Microtubules ◽  
Anaphase B ◽  
Chromosome Motion

Spindle microtubules, whose dynamics vary over time and at different locations, cooperatively drive chromosome segregation. Measurements of microtubule dynamics and spindle ultrastructure can provide insight into the behaviors of microtubules, helping elucidate the mechanism of chromosome segregation. Much work has focused on the dynamics and organization of kinetochore microtubules, that is, on the region between chromosomes and poles. In comparison, microtubules in the central-spindle region, between segregating chromosomes, have been less thoroughly characterized. Here, we report measurements of the movement of central-spindle microtubules during chromosome segregation in human mitotic spindles and Caenorhabditis elegans mitotic and female meiotic spindles. We found that these central-spindle microtubules slide apart at the same speed as chromosomes, even as chromosomes move toward spindle poles. In these systems, damaging central-spindle microtubules by laser ablation caused an immediate and complete cessation of chromosome motion, suggesting a strong coupling between central-spindle microtubules and chromosomes. Electron tomographic reconstruction revealed that the analyzed anaphase spindles all contain microtubules with both ends between segregating chromosomes. Our results provide new dynamical, functional, and ultrastructural characterizations of central-spindle microtubules during chromosome segregation in diverse spindles and suggest that central-spindle microtubules and chromosomes are strongly coupled in anaphase.

scholarly journals Association of TCTP with Centrosome and Microtubules

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariusz K. Jaglarz ◽  
Franck Bazile ◽  
Katarzyna Laskowska ◽  
Zbigniew Polanski ◽  
Franck Chesnel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Xenopus Laevis ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Double Labelling ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Pericentriolar Material ◽  
Indirect Association ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Relationship

Translationally Controlled Tumour Protein (TCTP) associates with microtubules (MT), however, the details of this association are unknown. Here we analyze the relationship of TCTP with MTs and centrosomes inXenopus laevisand mammalian cells using immunofluorescence, tagged TCTP expression and immunoelectron microscopy. We show that TCTP associates both with MTs and centrosomes at spindle poles when detected by species-specific antibodies and by Myc-XlTCTP expression inXenopusand mammalian cells. However, when the antibodies against XlTCTP were used in mammalian cells, TCTP was detected exclusively in the centrosomes. These results suggest that a distinct pool of TCTP may be specific for, and associate with, the centrosomes. Double labelling for TCTP and γ-tubulin with immuno-gold electron microscopy inXenopus laevisoogonia shows localization of TCTP at the periphery of the γ-tubulin-containing pericentriolar material (PCM) enveloping the centriole. TCTP localizes in the close vicinity of, but not directly on the MTs inXenopusovary suggesting that this association requires unidentified linker proteins. Thus, we show for the first time: (1) the association of TCTP with centrosomes, (2) peripheral localization of TCTP in relation to the centriole and the γ-tubulin-containing PCM within the centrosome, and (3) the indirect association of TCTP with MTs.

scholarly journals Anaphase A: Melting Microtubules Move Chromosomes toward Spindle Poles

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles L. Asbury
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescence Microscopy ◽  
Mechanistic Models ◽  
Chromosome Movement ◽  
Load Bearing ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Sister Chromatids ◽  
Spindle Elongation ◽  
Anaphase B ◽  
Chromosome Movements ◽  
Cellular Movement

The separation of sister chromatids during anaphase is the culmination of mitosis and one of the most strikingly beautiful examples of cellular movement. It consists of two distinct processes: Anaphase A, the movement of chromosomes toward spindle poles via shortening of the connecting fibers, and anaphase B, separation of the two poles from one another via spindle elongation. I focus here on anaphase A chromosome-to-pole movement. The chapter begins by summarizing classical observations of chromosome movements, which support the current understanding of anaphase mechanisms. Live cell fluorescence microscopy studies showed that poleward chromosome movement is associated with disassembly, or ‘melting’ of the kinetochore-attached microtubule fibers that link chromosomes to poles. Microtubule-marking techniques established that kinetochore-fiber disassembly often occurs through a ‘pac-man’ mechanism, where tubulin subunits are lost from kinetochore-attached plus ends and the kinetochore appears to consume its microtubule track as it moves poleward. In addition, kinetochore-fiber disassembly in many cells occurs partly through ‘flux’, where the microtubules flow continuously toward the poles and tubulin subunits are lost from minus ends. Molecular mechanistic models for how load-bearing attachments are maintained to disassembling microtubule ends, and how the forces are generated to drive pac-man and flux-based movements, are discussed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document