Optimized expansion microscopy reveals species-specific spindle microtubule organization in <i>Xenopus</i> egg extracts.

ABSTRACT: The spindle is a key structure in cell division as it orchestrates the accurate segregation of genetic material. While its assembly and function are well-studied, the mechanisms regulating spindle architecture remain elusive. In this study, we investigate the differences in spindle organization between Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis, leveraging expansion microscopy (ExM) to overcome the limitations of conventional imaging techniques. We optimized an ExM protocol tailored for Xenopus egg extract spindles, improving upon fixation, denaturation and gelation methods to achieve higher resolution imaging of spindles. Our protocol preserves spindle integrity and allows effective pre-expansion immunofluorescence. This method enabled detailed analysis of the differences

SUBMITTER: Guilloux G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11419004 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature