Coupling of microtubule bundles isolates them from local disruptions to set the structural stability of the anaphase spindle.

ABSTRACT: Chromosome segregation requires load-bearing interactions across kinetochore fibers and antiparallel microtubule bundles, which constitute the spindle midzone. Mechanical properties of kinetochore fibers have been characterized during metaphase, when the mitotic spindle achieves steady state. However, it has been difficult to probe the mechanics of the spindle midzone that elongates during anaphase. Here, we combine superresolution expansion and electron microscopies, lattice light-sheet imaging, and laser microsurgery to examine how midzone organization sets its mechanics. We find that individual midzone bundles extend out to multiple positions across chromosomes and form multiple apparent microtubule-based connections with each other. Across the spindle's short axis, these microtubule bu

SUBMITTER: Carlini L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9522340 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature