Synchronizing chromosome segregation by flux-dependent force equalization at kinetochores

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2009

Authors

Matos, I (Author) Other; Pereira, AJ (Author) Other; Lince Faria, M (Author) Other; Cameron, LA (Author) Other; Salmon, ED (Author) Other; Helder Maiato (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Cell Biology

Vol. 186

Pages: 11-26

ISSN: 0021-9525

Publisher: Rockefeller University Press

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 63 Citations

Scopus - 69 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-HH5

DOI: 10.1083/jcb.200904153

Abstract (EN): The synchronous movement of chromosomes during anaphase ensures their correct inheritance in every cell division. This reflects the uniformity of spindle forces acting on chromosomes and their simultaneous entry into anaphase. Although anaphase onset is controlled by the spindle assembly checkpoint, it remains unknown how spindle forces are uniformly distributed among different chromosomes. In this paper, we show that tension uniformity at metaphase kinetochores and subsequent anaphase synchrony in Drosophila S2 cells are promoted by spindle microtubule flux. These results can be explained by a mechanical model of the spindle where microtubule poleward translocation events associated with flux reflect relaxation of the kinetochore microtubule interface, which accounts for the redistribution and convergence of kinetochore tensions in a timescale comparable to typical metaphase duration. As predicted by the model, experimental acceleration of mitosis precludes tension equalization and anaphase synchrony. We propose that flux-dependent equalization of kinetochore tensions ensures a timely and uniform maturation of kinetochore-microtubule interfaces necessary for error-free and coordinated segregation of chromosomes in anaphase.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 16