Mechanically cut mitotic spindles: clean cuts and stable microtubules

1989 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 415-423
Author(s):  
R.B. Nicklas ◽  
G.M. Lee ◽  
C.L. Rieder ◽  
G. Rupp
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Mitotic Spindle ◽  
Dynamic Instability ◽  
Microtubule Dynamics ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Mechanical Method ◽  
Spindle Structure ◽  
Main Spindle ◽  
Spindle Body

We have discovered an easy way to cut through the mitotic spindle at any desired place. Spindles of demembranated cricket or grasshopper spermatocytes were severed with a microneedle between the chromosomes and one pole, and the cut-off polar piece was swept away. Spindle structure and microtubule dynamics in cut spindles were studied by anti-tubulin immunostaining and electron microscopy. The cut is clean: all microtubules are severed and only a few extend beyond the others. This provides the basis for a clear test of whether traction fibers pull chromosomes to the pole in anaphase, because the putative traction fiber is cleanly severed. Cutting creates new plus ends on microtubules in the cut-off polar piece and new minus ends on microtubules in the main spindle body. The microtubules with new plus ends are unstable, as expected from the dynamic instability of microtubules. However, the microtubules with new minus ends are as stable as uncut microtubules in the same spindle. Our mechanical method of cutting microtubules very likely creates native, reactive ends, and therefore the surprising stability of new minus ends is genuinely interesting, not an artifact of cutting.

scholarly journals Taxol Suppresses Dynamics of Individual Microtubules in Living Human Tumor Cells

1999 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 947-959 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Marie C. Yvon ◽  
Patricia Wadsworth ◽  
Mary Ann Jordan
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Mitotic Spindle ◽  
Dynamic Instability ◽  
Human Tumor ◽  
Mitotic Checkpoint ◽  
Microtubule Dynamics ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Ovarian Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Adenocarcinoma Cells

Microtubules are intrinsically dynamic polymers, and their dynamics play a crucial role in mitotic spindle assembly, the mitotic checkpoint, and chromosome movement. We hypothesized that, inliving cells, suppression of microtubule dynamics is responsible for the ability of taxol to inhibit mitotic progression and cell proliferation. Using quantitative fluorescence video microscopy, we examined the effects of taxol (30–100 nM) on the dynamics of individual microtubules in two living human tumor cell lines: Caov-3 ovarian adenocarcinoma cells and A-498 kidney carcinoma cells. Taxol accumulated more in Caov-3 cells than in A-498 cells. At equivalent intracellular taxol concentrations, dynamic instability was inhibited similarly in the two cell lines. Microtubule shortening rates were inhibited in Caov-3 cells and in A-498 cells by 32 and 26%, growing rates were inhibited by 24 and 18%, and dynamicity was inhibited by 31 and 63%, respectively. All mitotic spindles were abnormal, and many interphase cells became multinucleate (Caov-3, 30%; A-498, 58%). Taxol blocked cell cycle progress at the metaphase/anaphase transition and inhibited cell proliferation. The results indicate that suppression of microtubule dynamics by taxol deleteriously affects the ability of cancer cells to properly assemble a mitotic spindle, pass the metaphase/anaphase checkpoint, and produce progeny.

3-D reconstruction and analysis of mammalian mitotic spindle structure

1992 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 578-579
Author(s):  
Kent McDonald ◽  
David Mastronarde ◽  
Rubai Ding ◽  
Eileen O'Toole ◽  
J. Richard McIntosh
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Mitotic Spindle ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Video Camera ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Reconstruction Methods ◽  
Spindle Structure ◽  
Tissue Culture Line

Mammalian spindles are generally large and may contain over a thousand microtubules (MTs). For this reason they are difficult to reconstruct in three dimensions and many researchers have chosen to study the smaller and simpler spindles of lower eukaryotes. Nevertheless, the mammalian spindle is used for many experimental studies and it would be useful to know its detailed structure.We have been using serial cross sections and computer reconstruction methods to analyze MT distributions in mitotic spindles of PtK cells, a mammalian tissue culture line. Images from EM negatives are digtized on a light box by a Dage MTI video camera containing a black and white Saticon tube. The signal is digitized by a Parallax 1280 graphics device in a MicroVax III computer. Microtubules are digitized at a magnification such that each is 10-12 pixels in diameter.

Regulation of Microtubule Assembly: The View From The End

2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (S2) ◽  
pp. 80-81
Author(s):  
L. Cassimeris ◽  
C. Spittle ◽  
M. Kratzer
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Mitotic Spindle ◽  
Dynamic Instability ◽  
Intrinsic Property ◽  
Microtubule Dynamics ◽  
Microtubule Assembly ◽  
Chromosome Movement ◽  
Spindle Formation ◽  
Associated Proteins

The mitotic spindle is responsible for chromosome movement during mitosis. It is composed of a dynamic array of microtubules and associated proteins whose assembly and constant turnover are required for both spindle formation and chromosome movement. Because microtubule assembly and turnover are necessary for chromosome segregation, we are studying how cells regulate microtubule dynamics. Microtubules are polarized polymers composed of tubulin subunits; they assemble by a process of dynamic instability where individual microtubules exist in persistent phases of elongation or rapid shortening with abrupt transitions between these two states. The switch from elongation to shortening is termed catastrophe, and the switch from shortening to elongation, rescue. Although dynamic instability is an intrinsic property of the tubulin subunits, cells use associated proteins to both speed elongation (∼ 10 fold) and regulate transitions.The only protein isolated to date capable of promoting fast polymerization consistent with rates in vivo is XMAP215, a 215 kD protein from Xenopus eggs.

scholarly journals Cytoskeletal architecture of isolated mitotic spindle with special reference to microtubule-associated proteins and cytoplasmic dynein.

1985 ◽  
Vol 101 (5) ◽  
pp. 1858-1870 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Hirokawa ◽  
R Takemura ◽  
S Hisanaga
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Sea Urchin ◽  
Mitotic Spindle ◽  
Cytoplasmic Dynein ◽  
High Salt ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Mitotic Apparatus ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Spindle Microtubules

We have studied cytoskeletal architectures of isolated mitotic apparatus from sea urchin eggs using quick-freeze, deep-etch electron microscopy. This method revealed the existence of an extensive three-dimensional network of straight and branching crossbridges between spindle microtubules. The surface of the spindle microtubules was almost entirely covered with hexagonally packed, small, round button-like structures which were very uniform in shape and size (approximately 8 nm in diameter), and these microtubule buttons frequently provided bases for crossbridges between adjacent microtubules. These structures were removed from the surface of microtubules by high salt (0.6 M NaCl) extraction. Microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) and microtubules isolated from mitotic spindles which were mainly composed of a large amount of 75-kD protein and some high molecular mass (250 kD, 245 kD) proteins were polymerized in vitro and examined by quick-freeze, deep-etch electron microscopy. The surfaces of microtubules were entirely covered with the same hexagonally packed round buttons, the arrangement of which is intimately related to that of tubulin dimers. Short crossbridges and some longer crossbridges were also observed. High salt treatment (0.6 M NaCl) extracted both 75-kD protein and high molecular weight proteins and removed microtubule buttons and most of crossbridges from the surface of microtubules. Considering the relatively high amount of 75-kD protein among MAPs isolated from mitotic spindles, it is concluded that these microtubule buttons probably consist of 75-kD MAP and that some of the crossbridges in vivo could belong to MAPs. Another kind of granule, larger in size (11-26 nm in diameter), was also on occasion associated with the surface of microtubules of mitotic spindles. A fine sidearm sometimes connected the larger granule to adjacent microtubules. Localization of cytoplasmic dynein ATPase in the mitotic spindle was investigated by electron microscopic immunocytochemistry with a monoclonal antibody (D57) against sea urchin sperm flagellar 21S dynein and colloidal gold-labeled second antibody. Immunogold particles were closely associated with spindle microtubules. 76% of these were within 50 nm and 55% were within 20 nm from the surface of the microtubules. These gold particles were sporadically found on both polar and kinetochore microtubules of half-spindles at both metaphase and anaphase. They localized also on the microtubules between sister chromatids in late anaphase. These data indicate that cytoplasmic dynein is attached to the microtubules in sea urchin mitotic spindles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

scholarly journals APC and EB1 Function Together in Mitosis to Regulate Spindle Dynamics and Chromosome Alignment

2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 4609-4622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca A. Green ◽  
Roy Wollman ◽  
Kenneth B. Kaplan
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Mitotic Spindle ◽  
Functional Relationship ◽  
Microtubule Dynamics ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Spindle Dynamics ◽  
Chromosome Alignment ◽  
Spindle Function ◽  
Insight Into

Recently, we have shown that a cancer causing truncation in adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) (APC1–1450) dominantly interferes with mitotic spindle function, suggesting APC regulates microtubule dynamics during mitosis. Here, we examine the possibility that APC mutants interfere with the function of EB1, a plus-end microtubule-binding protein that interacts with APC and is required for normal microtubule dynamics. We show that siRNA-mediated inhibition of APC, EB1, or APC and EB1 together give rise to similar defects in mitotic spindles and chromosome alignment without arresting cells in mitosis; in contrast inhibition of CLIP170 or LIS1 cause distinct spindle defects and mitotic arrest. We show that APC1–1450 acts as a dominant negative by forming a hetero-oligomer with the full-length APC and preventing it from interacting with EB1, which is consistent with a functional relationship between APC and EB1. Live-imaging of mitotic cells expressing EB1-GFP demonstrates that APC1–1450 compromises the dynamics of EB1-comets, increasing the frequency of EB1-GFP pausing. Together these data provide novel insight into how APC may regulate mitotic spindle function and how errors in chromosome segregation are tolerated in tumor cells.

scholarly journals IFT88 controls NuMA enrichment at k-fibers minus-ends to facilitate their reincorporation into mitotic spindles

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Taulet ◽  
Audrey Douanier ◽  
Benjamin Vitre ◽  
Christelle Anguille ◽  
Justine Maurin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Laser Ablation ◽  
Molecular Motors ◽  
Mitotic Spindle ◽  
Intraflagellar Transport ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Spatial Regulation ◽  
Main Spindle

ABSTRACTTo build and maintain mitotic spindle architecture, molecular motors exert spatially regulated forces on microtubules (MT) minus-ends. This spatial regulation is required to allow proper chromosomes alignment through the organization of kinetochore fibers (k-fibers). NuMA was recently shown to target dynactin to MT minus-ends and thus to spatially regulate dynein activity. However, given that k-fibers are embedded in the spindle, our understanding of the machinery involved in the targeting of proteins to their minus-ends remains limited. Intraflagellar transport (IFT) proteins were primarily studied for their ciliary roles but they also emerged as key regulators of cell division. Taking advantage of MT laser ablation, we show here that IFT88 concentrates at k-fibers minus-ends and is required for their re-anchoring into spindles by controlling NuMA accumulation. Indeed, IFT88 interacts with NuMA and is required for its enrichment at newly generated k-fibers minus-ends. Combining nocodazole washout experiments and IFT88 depletion, we further show that IFT88 is required for the reorganization of k-fibers into spindles and thus for efficient chromosomes alignment in mitosis. Overall, we propose that IFT88 could serve as a mitotic MT minus-end adaptor to concentrate NuMA at minus-ends thus facilitating k-fibers incorporation into the main spindle.

Quantitative ultrastructural reconstruction of small regions within large volumes by correlative light and high voltage electron microscopy of serial 0.25-0.50 μm sections

1987 ◽  
Vol 45 ◽  
pp. 578-581
Author(s):  
Conly L. Rieder ◽  
Frederick J. Miller ◽  
Edwin Davison ◽  
Samuel S. Bowser ◽  
Kirsten Lewis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
High Voltage ◽  
Mitotic Spindle ◽  
Meiotic Spindle ◽  
High Voltage Electron Microscopy ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Voltage Electron ◽  
High Voltage Electron ◽  
Differential Stability ◽  
Sperm Aster

In this abstract we Illustrate how same-section correlative light and high voltage electron microscopy (HVEM) of serial 0.25-0.50-μm sections can answer questions which are difficult to approach by EM of 60-100 nm sections.Starfish (Pisaster and Asterlas) eggs are fertilized at meiosis I when the oocyte contains two maternal centrosomes (e.g., asters) which form the poles of the first meiotic spindle. Immediately after fertilization a sperm aster is assembled in the vicinity of the male pronucleus and persists throughout meiosis. At syngamy the sperm aster splits to form the poles of the first mitotic spindle. During this time the functional and replicative properties of the maternal centrosome, inherited from the last meiotic division, are lost. The basis for this differential stability, of male and female centrosomes in the same cytoplasm, is a mystery.

Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy and Three-Dimesnsional Reconstruction of the Mitotic Spindles of Unequally Dividing Embryonic Cells

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 166-167
Author(s):  
J. Holy ◽  
G. Schatten
Keyword(s):  
Confocal Microscopy ◽  
Mitotic Spindle ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Embryonic Cells ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Cleavage Division ◽  
Scanning Confocal Microscopy

One of the classic limitations of light microscopy has been the fact that three dimensional biological events could only be visualized in two dimensions. Recently, this shortcoming has been overcome by combining the technologies of laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and computer processing of microscopical data by volume rendering methods. We have employed these techniques to examine morphogenetic events characterizing early development of sea urchin embryos. Specifically, the fourth cleavage division was examined because it is at this point that the first morphological signs of cell differentiation appear, manifested in the production of macromeres and micromeres by unequally dividing vegetal blastomeres.The mitotic spindle within vegetal blastomeres undergoing unequal cleavage are highly polarized and develop specialized, flattened asters toward the micromere pole. In order to reconstruct the three-dimensional features of these spindles, both isolated spindles and intact, extracted embryos were fluorescently labeled with antibodies directed against either centrosomes or tubulin.

Time-Resolved Cryo-Electron Microscopy of Oscillating Microtubules

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 502-503
Author(s):  
Eva-Maria Mandelkow ◽  
Ron Milligan
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Dynamic Instability ◽  
Entire Solution ◽  
Reaction Scheme ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
A Chain ◽  
Ray Scattering

Microtubules form part of the cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells. They are hollow libers of about 25 nm diameter made up of 13 protofilaments, each of which consists of a chain of heterodimers of α-and β-tubulin. Microtubules can be assembled in vitro at 37°C in the presence of GTP which is hydrolyzed during the reaction, and they are disassembled at 4°C. In contrast to most other polymers microtubules show the behavior of “dynamic instability”, i.e. they can switch between phases of growth and phases of shrinkage, even at an overall steady state [1]. In certain conditions an entire solution can be synchronized, leading to autonomous oscillations in the degree of assembly which can be observed by X-ray scattering (Fig. 1), light scattering, or electron microscopy [2-5]. In addition such solutions are capable of generating spontaneous spatial patterns [6].In an earlier study we have analyzed the structure of microtubules and their cold-induced disassembly by cryo-EM [7]. One result was that disassembly takes place by loss of protofilament fragments (tubulin oligomers) which fray apart at the microtubule ends. We also looked at microtubule oscillations by time-resolved X-ray scattering and proposed a reaction scheme [4] which involves a cyclic interconversion of tubulin, microtubules, and oligomers (Fig. 2). The present study was undertaken to answer two questions: (a) What is the nature of the oscillations as seen by time-resolved cryo-EM? (b) Do microtubules disassemble by fraying protofilament fragments during oscillations at 37°C?

scholarly journals Microtubule organization within mitotic spindles revealed by serial block face scanning electron microscopy and image analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 130 (10) ◽  
pp. 1845-1855 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faye M. Nixon ◽  
Thomas R. Honnor ◽  
Nicholas I. Clarke ◽  
Georgina P. Starling ◽  
Alison J. Beckett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Image Analysis ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Microtubule Organization ◽  
Face Scanning ◽  
Block Face ◽  
Scanning Electron
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