Mechanisms of spindle assembly and size control
Gabriel Guilloux, Romain Gibeaux
Abstract
The spindle is crucial for cell division by allowing the faithful segregation of replicated chromosomes to daughter cells. Proper segregation is ensured only if microtubules (MTs) and hundreds of other associated factors interact to assemble this complex structure with the appropriate architecture and size. In this review, we describe the latest view of spindle organisation as well as the molecular gradients and mechanisms underlying MT nucleation and spindle assembly. We then discuss the overlapping physical and molecular constraints that dictate spindle morphology, concluding with a focus on spindle size regulation.
Topics & Concepts
BiologySpindle apparatusSpindle pole bodyMicrotubuleCell divisionDivision (mathematics)Chromosome segregationNucleationCell biologyCellGeneticsPhysicsChromosomeMathematicsThermodynamicsArithmeticGeneMicrotubule and mitosis dynamicsGenomics and Chromatin DynamicsProtist diversity and phylogeny