Mechanics of the spindle apparatus
2020
Author
Nazockdast E.
Abstract
During mitosis microtubules self-organize to form a bipolar mitotic spindle structure, which positions the sister chromatids on the spindle mid-plane and separates them afterwards. Previous studies have identified many spindle associated proteins. Yet, we do not fully understand how these nanoscopic proteins lead to force generation through interactions of individual microtubules, motor proteins and chromosomes, and how a large number of these local interactions ultimately determine the structure and mechanics of the spindle in micron scale. Here we review the current understanding and open questions related to the structure and mechanics of the mitotic spindle. We then discuss how a combination of electron microscopy and computational modeling can be used to tackle some of these open questions. © 2020
DOI
10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.06.018
Journal
Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology
Source
Scopus