Effect of Cell Shape and Dimensionality on Spindle Orientation and Mitotic Timing.

ABSTRACT: The formation and orientation of the mitotic spindle is a critical feature of mitosis. The morphology of the cell and the spatial distribution and composition of the cells' adhesive microenvironment all contribute to dictate the position of the spindle. However, the impact of the dimensionality of the cells' microenvironment has rarely been studied. In this study we present the use of a microwell platform, where the internal surfaces of the individual wells are coated with fibronectin, enabling the three-dimensional presentation of adhesive ligands to single cells cultured within the microwells. This platform was used to assess the effect of dimensionality and cell shape in a controlled microenvironment. Single HeLa cells cultured in circular microwells exhibited greater tilting of the mit

SUBMITTER: Charnley M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3688943 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature