During cell division a dynamic, bipolar, microtubule polymer-based machine called the mitotic spindle attaches to chromosomes and segregates them to daughter cells. Correct spindle size and shape is essential for its function, but exactly how spindle microtubules are organized and the spatial cues that lead to distinct spindle architectures in different cell types and species is poorly understood. We are taking advantage of a cell-free system based on cytoplasm isolated from frog eggs that reconstitutes spindle assembly in a test tube to analyze the organization and dynamics of spindle microtubules and reveal novel principles underlying spindle morphology and its regulation.
UC PI:
Rebecca Heald
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, UC Berkeley
France PI:
Denis Chrétien
Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes, Université de Rennes 1
