Error-free chromosome segregation requires stable attachment of sister kinetochores to the opposite spindle poles (amphitelic attachment). Exactly how amphitelic attachments are achieved during spindle assembly remains elusive. We employed photoactivatable GFP and high-resolution live-cell confocal microscopy to visualize complete 3D movements of individual kinetochores throughout mitosis in nontransformed human cells. Combined with electron microscopy, molecular perturbations, and immunofluorescence analyses, this approach reveals unexpected details of chromosome behavior. Our data demonstrate that unstable lateral interactions between kinetochores and microtubules dominate during early prometaphase. These transient interactions lead to the reproducible arrangement of chromosomes in an equatorial ring on the surface of the nascent spindle. A computational model predicts that this toroidal distribution of chromosomes exposes kinetochores to a high density of microtubules which facilitates subsequent formation of amphitelic attachments. Thus, spindle formation involves a previously overlooked stage of chromosome prepositioning which promotes formation of amphitelic attachments.
Pubmed ID: 21854981 RIS Download
Publication data is provided by the National Library of Medicine ® and PubMed ®. Data is retrieved from PubMed ® on a weekly schedule. For terms and conditions see the National Library of Medicine Terms and Conditions.
Software for image processing, analysis, and editing. The software includes features such as touch capabilities, a customizable toolbar, 2D and 3D image merging, and Cloud access and options.
View all literature mentionsSoftware tool for visualizing, manipulating, and understanding data from tomography, microscopy, MRI and other imaging processes.Used to import and export options, to processes 3D image filtering and DTI based fiber tracking to visualization, volume and surface rendering, author tools for virtual reality navigation, video generation, and more.
View all literature mentionsSoftware tool for visualizing, manipulating, and understanding data from tomography, microscopy, MRI and other imaging processes.Used to import and export options, to processes 3D image filtering and DTI based fiber tracking to visualization, volume and surface rendering, author tools for virtual reality navigation, video generation, and more.
View all literature mentions