Long-range repulsion between chromosomes in mammalian oocyte spindles.

ABSTRACT: During eukaryotic cell division, a microtubule-based structure called the spindle exerts forces on chromosomes. The best-studied spindle forces, including those responsible for the separation of sister chromatids, are directed parallel to the spindle's long axis. By contrast, little is known about forces perpendicular to the spindle axis, which determine the metaphase plate configuration and thus the location of chromosomes in the subsequent nucleus. Using live-cell microscopy, we find that metaphase chromosomes are spatially anti-correlated in mouse oocyte spindles, evidence of previously unknown long-range forces acting perpendicular to the spindle axis. We explain this observation by showing that the spindle's microtubule network behaves as a nematic liquid crystal and that deformation

SUBMITTER: Kelleher CP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11423871 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature