The mesh is a network of microtubule connectors that stabilizes individual kinetochore fibers of the mitotic spindle

Nixon, Faye M, Gutierrez-Caballero, Cristina, Hood, Fiona E, Booth, Daniel G, Prior, Ian A ORCID: 0000-0002-4055-5161 and Royle, Stephen J (2015) The mesh is a network of microtubule connectors that stabilizes individual kinetochore fibers of the mitotic spindle. ELIFE, 4 (JUNE20). e07635-.

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Abstract

Kinetochore fibers (K-fibers) of the mitotic spindle are force-generating units that power chromosome movement during mitosis. K-fibers are composed of many microtubules that are held together throughout their length. Here, we show, using 3D electron microscopy, that K-fiber microtubules (MTs) are connected by a network of MT connectors. We term this network ‘the mesh’. The K-fiber mesh is made of linked multipolar connectors. Each connector has up to four struts, so that a single connector can link up to four MTs. Molecular manipulation of the mesh by overexpression of TACC3 causes disorganization of the K-fiber MTs. Optimal stabilization of K-fibers by the mesh is required for normal progression through mitosis. We propose that the mesh stabilizes K-fibers by pulling MTs together and thereby maintaining the integrity of the fiber. Our work thus identifies the K-fiber meshwork of linked multipolar connectors as a key integrator and determinant of K-fiber structure and function.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Hela Cells, Kinetochores, Microtubules, Humans, Microtubule-Associated Proteins, Imaging, Three-Dimensional, Mitosis, Gene Expression, Electron Microscope Tomography, Spindle Apparatus
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	30 Oct 2019 08:53
Last Modified:	15 Mar 2024 01:27
DOI:	10.7554/eLife.07635
Open Access URL:	https://elifesciences.org/articles/07635
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3059965