Click here to close Hello! We notice that you are using Internet Explorer, which is not supported by Xenbase and may cause the site to display incorrectly. We suggest using a current version of Chrome, FireFox, or Safari.
XB-ART-43796
Cell 2011 Jun 24;1457:1062-74. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2011.05.038.
Show Gene links Show Anatomy links

Insights into the micromechanical properties of the metaphase spindle.

Shimamoto Y , Maeda YT , Ishiwata S , Libchaber AJ , Kapoor TM .


???displayArticle.abstract???
The microtubule-based metaphase spindle is subjected to forces that act in diverse orientations and over a wide range of timescales. Currently, we cannot explain how this dynamic structure generates and responds to forces while maintaining overall stability, as we have a poor understanding of its micromechanical properties. Here, we combine the use of force-calibrated needles, high-resolution microscopy, and biochemical perturbations to analyze the vertebrate metaphase spindle's timescale- and orientation-dependent viscoelastic properties. We find that spindle viscosity depends on microtubule crosslinking and density. Spindle elasticity can be linked to kinetochore and nonkinetochore microtubule rigidity, and also to spindle pole organization by kinesin-5 and dynein. These data suggest a quantitative model for the micromechanics of this cytoskeletal architecture and provide insight into how structural and functional stability is maintained in the face of forces, such as those that control spindle size and position, and can result from deformations associated with chromosome movement.

???displayArticle.pubmedLink??? 21703450
???displayArticle.pmcLink??? PMC3124677
???displayArticle.link??? Cell
???displayArticle.grants??? [+]

Species referenced: Xenopus laevis

References [+] :
Alexander, Chromosome motion during attachment to the vertebrate spindle: initial saltatory-like behavior of chromosomes and quantitative analysis of force production by nascent kinetochore fibers. 1991, Pubmed