Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: Accurate chromosome segregation depends on proper kinetochore-microtubule attachment. Upon microtubule interaction, kinetochores are subjected to forces generated by the microtubules. In this work, we used laser ablation to sever microtubules attached to a merotelic kinetochore, which is laterally stretched by opposing pulling forces exerted by microtubules, and inferred the mechanical response of the kinetochore from its length change. In both mammalian PtK1 cells and in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, kinetochores shortened after microtubule severing. Interestingly, the inner kinetochore-centromere relaxed faster than the outer kinetochore. Whereas in fission yeast all kinetochores relaxed to a similar length, in PtK1 cells the more stretched kinetochores remained more stretched. Simple models suggest that these differences arise because the mechanical structure of the mammalian kinetochore is more complex. Our study establishes merotelic kinetochores as an experimental model for studying the mechanical response of the kinetochore in live cells and reveals a viscoelastic behavior of the kinetochore that is conserved in yeast and mammalian cells.
Source: The Journal of Cell Biology
Language: English
Subfield: Cell Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,577
Awards: G2535860334, G3074389664, Dissecting the interplay between forces and dynamics of the mitotic apparatus and kinetochore attachments, Experimental and Computational Analysis of Merotelic Kinetochore Formation, Dynamics, and Correction, Chromosome segregation during meiosis, Molecular architecture and mechanical properties of the kinetochore: a biophysical approach., Analysis of meiosis using ´shokat´ mutants, G8389394012
OpenAlex ID: W2305383836