biostudies-literatureSavoian MSCancer Research UKMedical Research Council140047https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC4042853biostudies-literatureUnknown4(5)Animal cells divide using a microtubule-based, bipolar spindle. Both somatic, mitotic cells and sperm-producing male meiotic spermatocytes use centrosome-dependent and acentrosomal spindle-forming mechanisms. Here, we characterize the largely undefined, centrosome-independent spindle formation pathway used during male meiosis. Our live and fixed cell analyses of Drosophila spermatocytes reveal that acentrosomal microtubules are nucleated at kinetochores and in the vicinity of chromatin and that together these assemble into functional spindles. Mutational studies indicate that γ-tubulin and its extra-centrosomal targeting complex, Augmin, are vital for this process. In addition, Augmin facilitates efficient spindle assembly in the presence of centrosomes. In contrast to the pronounced recruOpen biologyDiffering requirements for Augmin in male meiotic and mitotic spindle formation in Drosophila.PMC4042853G100169611431Savoian MSGlover DMfalseDiffering requirements for Augmin in male meiotic and mitotic spindle formation in Drosophila.Animal cells divide using a microtubule-based, bipolar spindle. Both somatic, mitotic cells and sperm-producing male meiotic spermatocytes use centrosome-dependent and acentrosomal spindle-forming mechanisms. Here, we characterize the largely undefined, centrosome-independent spindle formation pathway used during male meiosis. Our live and fixed cell analyses of Drosophila spermatocytes reveal that acentrosomal microtubules are nucleated at kinetochores and in the vicinity of chromatin and that together these assemble into functional spindles. Mutational studies indicate that γ-tubulin and its extra-centrosomal targeting complex, Augmin, are vital for this process. In addition, Augmin facilitates efficient spindle assembly in the presence of centrosomes. In contrast to the pronounced recru2014-01-01T00:00:00Z2014 May2025-04-21T20:05:54.749Z2019-03-27T01:29:22ZS-EPMC40428532482928810.1098/rsob.140047