Reorganization of the microtubule array in prophase/prometaphase requires cytoplasmic dynein-dependent microtubule transport.

ABSTRACT: When mammalian somatic cells enter mitosis, a fundamental reorganization of the Mt cytoskeleton occurs that is characterized by the loss of the extensive interphase Mt array and the formation of a bipolar mitotic spindle. Microtubules in cells stably expressing GFP-alpha-tubulin were directly observed from prophase to just after nuclear envelope breakdown (NEBD) in early prometaphase. Our results demonstrate a transient stimulation of individual Mt dynamic turnover and the formation and inward motion of microtubule bundles in these cells. Motion of microtubule bundles was inhibited after antibody-mediated inhibition of cytoplasmic dynein/dynactin, but was not inhibited after inhibition of the kinesin-related motor Eg5 or myosin II. In metaphase cells, assembly of small foci of Mts was dete

SUBMITTER: Rusan NM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2173209 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature