scholarly journals Gene editing can generate fragile bivalents in mouse oocytes

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Manil-Ségalen ◽  
Małgorzata Łuksza ◽  
Joanne Kannaan ◽  
Véronique Marthiens ◽  
Simon I.R Lane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Gene Editing ◽  
Spindle Assembly ◽  
Chromosome Breakage ◽  
Microtubule Nucleation ◽  
Mouse Oocytes ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Meiotic Spindles ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Structural Anomalies

AbstractMouse female meiotic spindles assemble from acentriolar MTOCs (aMTOCs) that fragment into discrete foci. These are further sorted and clustered to form spindle poles, thus providing balanced forces for faithful chromosome segregation. To assess the impact of aMTOCs biogenesis on spindle assembly, we genetically induced their precocious fragmentation in mouse oocytes using conditional overexpression of Plk4, a master MTOC regulator. Excessive microtubule nucleation from these fragmented aMTOCs accelerated spindle assembly dynamics. Prematurely formed spindles promoted the breakage of three different fragilized bivalents, generated by the presence of recombined Lox P sites. Reducing the density of microtubules diminished the extent of chromosome breakage. Thus, improper spindle forces can lead to widely described yet unexplained chromosomal structural anomalies with disruptive consequences on the ability of the gamete to transmit an uncorrupted genome.

scholarly journals Chromosome structural anomalies due to aberrant spindle forces exerted at gene editing sites in meiosis

2018 ◽  
Vol 217 (10) ◽  
pp. 3416-3430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Manil-Ségalen ◽  
Małgorzata Łuksza ◽  
Joanne Kanaan ◽  
Véronique Marthiens ◽  
Simon I.R. Lane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Gene Editing ◽  
Spindle Assembly ◽  
Chromosome Breakage ◽  
Microtubule Organizing Center ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Organizing Center ◽  
Meiotic Spindles ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Structural Anomalies

Mouse female meiotic spindles assemble from acentriolar microtubule-organizing centers (aMTOCs) that fragment into discrete foci. These are further sorted and clustered to form spindle poles, thus providing balanced forces for faithful chromosome segregation. To assess the impact of aMTOC biogenesis on spindle assembly, we genetically induced their precocious fragmentation in mouse oocytes using conditional overexpression of Plk4, a master microtubule-organizing center regulator. Excessive microtubule nucleation from these fragmented aMTOCs accelerated spindle assembly dynamics. Prematurely formed spindles promoted the breakage of three different fragilized bivalents, generated by the presence of recombined Lox P sites. Reducing the density of microtubules significantly diminished the extent of chromosome breakage. Thus, improper spindle forces can lead to widely described yet unexplained chromosomal structural anomalies with disruptive consequences on the ability of the gamete to transmit an uncorrupted genome.

scholarly journals Central-spindle microtubules are strongly coupled to chromosomes during both anaphase A and anaphase B

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (19) ◽  
pp. 2503-2514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Che-Hang Yu ◽  
Stefanie Redemann ◽  
Hai-Yin Wu ◽  
Robert Kiewisz ◽  
Tae Yeon Yoo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Tomographic Reconstruction ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Strongly Coupled ◽  
Central Spindle ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Meiotic Spindles ◽  
Spindle Microtubules ◽  
Anaphase B ◽  
Chromosome Motion

Spindle microtubules, whose dynamics vary over time and at different locations, cooperatively drive chromosome segregation. Measurements of microtubule dynamics and spindle ultrastructure can provide insight into the behaviors of microtubules, helping elucidate the mechanism of chromosome segregation. Much work has focused on the dynamics and organization of kinetochore microtubules, that is, on the region between chromosomes and poles. In comparison, microtubules in the central-spindle region, between segregating chromosomes, have been less thoroughly characterized. Here, we report measurements of the movement of central-spindle microtubules during chromosome segregation in human mitotic spindles and Caenorhabditis elegans mitotic and female meiotic spindles. We found that these central-spindle microtubules slide apart at the same speed as chromosomes, even as chromosomes move toward spindle poles. In these systems, damaging central-spindle microtubules by laser ablation caused an immediate and complete cessation of chromosome motion, suggesting a strong coupling between central-spindle microtubules and chromosomes. Electron tomographic reconstruction revealed that the analyzed anaphase spindles all contain microtubules with both ends between segregating chromosomes. Our results provide new dynamical, functional, and ultrastructural characterizations of central-spindle microtubules during chromosome segregation in diverse spindles and suggest that central-spindle microtubules and chromosomes are strongly coupled in anaphase.

scholarly journals Central spindle microtubules are strongly coupled to chromosomes during both anaphase A and anaphase B

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Che-Hang Yu ◽  
Stefanie Redemann ◽  
Hai-Yin Wu ◽  
Robert Kiewisz ◽  
Tae Yeon Yoo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Tomographic Reconstruction ◽  
Mitotic Spindles ◽  
Strongly Coupled ◽  
Central Spindle ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Meiotic Spindles ◽  
Spindle Microtubules ◽  
Anaphase B ◽  
Chromosome Motion

AbstractSpindle microtubules, whose dynamics vary over time and at different locations, cooperatively drive chromosome segregation. Measurements of microtubule dynamics and spindle ultrastructure can provide insight into the behaviors of microtubules, helping elucidate the mechanism of chromosome segregation. Much work has focused on the dynamics and organization of kinetochore microtubules, i.e. on the region between chromosomes and poles. In comparison, microtubules in the central spindle region, between segregating chromosomes, have been less thoroughly characterized. Here, we report measurements of the movement of central spindle microtubules during chromosome segregation in human mitotic spindles, and Caenorhabditis elegans mitotic and female meiotic spindles. We found that these central spindle microtubules slide apart at the same speed as chromosomes, even as chromosomes move towards spindle poles. In these systems, damaging central spindle microtubules by laser ablation caused an immediate and complete cessation of chromosome motion, suggesting a strong coupling between central spindle microtubules and chromosomes. Electron tomographic reconstruction revealed that the analyzed anaphase spindles all contain microtubules with both ends between segregating chromosomes. Our results provide new dynamical, functional, and ultrastructural characterizations of central spindle microtubules during chromosome segregation in diverse spindles, and suggest that central spindle microtubules and chromosomes are strongly coupled in anaphase.

scholarly journals Dynamic Changes in pStat3 Are Involved in Meiotic Spindle Assembly in Mouse Oocytes

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1220
Author(s):  
Seiki Haraguchi ◽  
Mitsumi Ikeda ◽  
Satoshi Akagi ◽  
Yuji Hirao
Keyword(s):  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Spindle Assembly ◽  
Meiotic Spindle ◽  
Dual Function ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Mouse Oocytes ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Transcription 3

The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) is activated upon phosphorylation at Y705 (pStat3) and serves the dual function of signal transduction and transcription activation. Our previous study suggested that pStat3 is functional during oocyte maturation when transcription is silenced. Therefore, we speculated that pStat3 serves other functions. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that pStat3 emerges at microtubule asters and spindle and is subsequently localized at the spindle poles along with pericentrin during mouse oocyte maturation. Both Stat3 and pStat3 proteins were detected in conditionally knocked out Stat3−/− mouse oocytes. pStat3 localization was the same in Stat3+/+ and Stat3−/− oocytes, and oocyte maturation proceeded normally, suggesting that pStat3 was still functional. Furthermore, the treatment of oocytes with the Stat3-specific inhibitors stattic and BP-1-102 or anti-pStat3 antibody led to significantly abnormal spindle assembly and chromosome mislocation in a dose-dependent manner, and pStat3 was either absent or improperly localized in these oocytes. Moreover, the development of pre-implantation stage embryos derived from inhibitor-treated oocytes was significantly hampered following in vitro fertilization. These findings indicate a novel function of pStat3 in spindle assembly.

Nek2 and its substrate, centrobin/Nip2, are required for proper meiotic spindle formation of the mouse oocytes

Zygote ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seongkeun Sonn ◽  
Goo Taeg Oh ◽  
Kunsoo Rhee
Keyword(s):  
Spindle Assembly ◽  
Early Embryogenesis ◽  
Mouse Oocyte ◽  
Meiotic Spindle ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Spindle Formation ◽  
Mouse Oocytes ◽  
Early Embryos ◽  
Pericentriolar Material ◽  
Meiotic Spindles

SummaryA typical centrosome consists of a pair of centrioles embedded in a proteinous matrix called pericentriolar material. However, the centrosomes in the mouse oocytes and early embryos lack centrioles, but consist of the γ-tubulin-enriched vesicle aggregates. We previously revealed that Nek2 and centrobin/Nip2, a centrosomal substrate of Nek2, is critical for the mouse early embryogenesis, especially at the step of spindle assembly during mitosis. In order to expand our understanding of the biological functions of Nek2, we examined expression and knockdown phenotypes of Nek2 and its substrates, centrobin and C-Nap1, in the mouse oocyte. Nek2, centrobin and C-Nap1 in the mouse oocytes were also centrosomal. Suppression of Nek2 and its substrates did not affect meiotic resumption of the oocytes. However, meiosis of the Nek2- and centrobin-suppressed oocytes was not completed, but arrested with defects in spindle assembly. No visible phenotype was observed in the C-Nap1-suppressed oocytes. These results indicate that Nek2 is critical for proper assembly of the meiotic spindles. Centrobin may be a possible substrate of Nek2 responsible for the meiotic spindle assembly in the mouse oocytes.

scholarly journals The kinesin Eg5 drives poleward microtubule flux in Xenopus laevis egg extract spindles

2004 ◽  
Vol 167 (5) ◽  
pp. 813-818 ◽  
Author(s):  
David T. Miyamoto ◽  
Zachary E. Perlman ◽  
Kendra S. Burbank ◽  
Aaron C. Groen ◽  
Timothy J. Mitchison
Keyword(s):  
Xenopus Laevis ◽  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Egg Extract ◽  
Constant Rate ◽  
Quantitative Image ◽  
Meiotic Spindles ◽  
Kinesin Eg5 ◽  
Poleward Flux

Although mitotic and meiotic spindles maintain a steady-state length during metaphase, their antiparallel microtubules slide toward spindle poles at a constant rate. This “poleward flux” of microtubules occurs in many organisms and may provide part of the force for chromosome segregation. We use quantitative image analysis to examine the role of the kinesin Eg5 in poleward flux in metaphase Xenopus laevis egg extract spindles. Pharmacological inhibition of Eg5 results in a dose–responsive slowing of flux, and biochemical depletion of Eg5 significantly decreases the flux rate. Our results suggest that ensembles of nonprocessive Eg5 motors drive flux in metaphase Xenopus extract spindles.

scholarly journals Phospho-regulation of the Shugoshin - Condensin interaction at the centromere in budding yeast

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Galal Yahya Metwaly ◽  
Yehui Wu ◽  
Karolina Peplowska ◽  
Jennifer Röhrl ◽  
Young-Min Soh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Protein Phosphatase ◽  
Spindle Assembly Checkpoint ◽  
Budding Yeast ◽  
Spindle Assembly ◽  
Mass Spectrometry Analysis ◽  
Spectrometry Analysis ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Condensin Complex ◽  
Centromeric Protein

AbstractCorrect bioriented attachment of sister chromatids to mitotic spindle is essential for chromosome segregation. The conserved protein shugoshin (Sgo1) contributes in budding yeast to biorientation by recruiting the protein phosphatase PP2A-Rts1 and the condensin complex to centromeres. Using peptide prints, we identified a Serine-Rich Motif (SRM) of Sgo1 that mediates the interaction with condensin and is essential for centromeric condensin recruitment and the establishment of biorientation. We show that the interaction is regulated via phosphorylation within the SRM and we determined the phospho-sites using mass spectrometry. Analysis of the phosphomimicking and phosphoresistant mutants revealed that SRM phosphorylation disrupts the shugoshin – condensin interaction. We present an evidence that Mps1, a central kinase in the spindle assembly checkpoint, directly phosphorylates Sgo1 within the SRM to regulate the interaction with condensin and thereby condensin localization to centromeres. Our findings identify novel mechanisms that control shugoshin activity at the centromere in budding yeast.Author summaryProper chromosome segregation in eukaryotes is ensured through correct attachment of the spindle microtubules to the centromeric chromosomal regions. The attachment is mediated via the multimolecular proteinaceous complex called kinetochore and precisely regulated. This enables the establishment of so called bioirentation, when each sister chromatid is attached to microtubules emanating from opposite spindle poles. Shugoshin (Sgo1) is a conserved centromeric protein that facilitates biorientation through its interactions with the protein phosphatase PP2A/Rts1, chromosome passanger complex and centromeric condensin. Here, we identified a serin-rich motif that is required for the interaction of shugoshin with the condensin complex. We show that loss of this region impairs condensin enrichment at the centromere, chromosome biorientation, segregation as well as the function of the chromosome passanger complex in the error correction. Moreover, the interaction is phosphoregulated, as phosphorylation of the serin-rich motif on Sgo1 disrupts its interaction with condensin. Finally, we show that the conserved spindle assembly checkpoint kinase Mps1 is responsible for this phosphorylation. Our findings uncover novel regulatory mechanisms that facilitate proper chromosome segregation.

Focusing on spindle poles

1998 ◽  
Vol 111 (11) ◽  
pp. 1477-1481 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.A. Compton
Keyword(s):  
Light Microscopy ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Common Mechanism ◽  
Microtubule Nucleation ◽  
Specialized Cell ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Meiotic Spindles ◽  
Centrosomal Proteins

Spindle poles are discernible by light microscopy as the sites where microtubules converge at the ends of both mitotic and meiotic spindles. In most cell types centrosomes are present at spindle poles due to their dominant role in microtubule nucleation. However, in some specialized cell types microtubules converge into spindle poles in the absence of centrosomes. Thus, spindle poles in centrosomal and acentrosomal cell types are structurally different, and it is this structural dichotomy that has created confusion as to the mechanism by which microtubules are organized into spindle poles. This review summarizes a series of recent articles that begin to resolve this confusion by demonstrating that spindle poles are organized through a common mechanism by a conserved group of non-centrosomal proteins in the presence or absence of centrosomes.

scholarly journals Biochemical reconstitution of branching microtubule nucleation

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raymundo Alfaro-Aco ◽  
Akanksha Thawani ◽  
Sabine Petry
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Xenopus Laevis ◽  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Mode Of Action ◽  
Spindle Assembly ◽  
Nucleation Site ◽  
Microtubule Nucleation ◽  
Ring Complex ◽  
Gamma Tubulin

AbstractMicrotubules are nucleated from specific locations at precise times in the cell cycle. However, the factors that constitute these microtubule nucleation pathways still need to be identified along with their mode of action. Here, using purified Xenopus laevis proteins we biochemically reconstitute branching microtubule nucleation, a nucleation pathway where microtubules originate from pre-existing microtubules, which is essential for spindle assembly and chromosome segregation. We found that besides the microtubule nucleator gamma-tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC), the two branching effectors augmin and TPX2 are required to efficiently nucleate branched microtubules. Specifically, TPX2 generates regularly-spaced patches that recruit augmin and γ-TuRC to microtubules, which then nucleate new microtubules at preferred branching angles of less than 90 degrees. Our work demonstrates how γ-TuRC is brought to its nucleation site for branching microtubule nucleation. It provides a blueprint for other microtubule nucleation pathways and for generating a particular microtubule architecture by regulating microtubule nucleation.

scholarly journals Regional variation of microtubule flux reveals microtubule organization in the metaphase meiotic spindle

2008 ◽  
Vol 182 (4) ◽  
pp. 631-639 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ge Yang ◽  
Lisa A. Cameron ◽  
Paul S. Maddox ◽  
Edward D. Salmon ◽  
Gaudenz Danuser
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Regional Variation ◽  
Spatial Organization ◽  
Meiotic Spindle ◽  
Microtubule Organization ◽  
Spindle Poles ◽  
Egg Extract ◽  
Spindle Dynamics ◽  
Meiotic Spindles ◽  
Uniform Polarity

Continuous poleward movement of tubulin is a hallmark of metaphase spindle dynamics in higher eukaryotic cells and is essential for stable spindle architecture and reliable chromosome segregation. We use quantitative fluorescent speckle microscopy to map with high resolution the spatial organization of microtubule flux in Xenopus laevis egg extract meiotic spindles. We find that the flux velocity decreases near spindle poles by ∼20%. The regional variation is independent of functional kinetochores and centrosomes and is suppressed by inhibition of dynein/dynactin, kinesin-5, or both. Statistical analysis reveals that tubulin flows in two distinct velocity modes. We propose an association of these modes with two architecturally distinct yet spatially overlapping and dynamically cross-linked arrays of microtubules: focused polar microtubule arrays of a uniform polarity and slower flux velocities are interconnected by a dense barrel-like microtubule array of antiparallel polarities and faster flux velocities.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document