Cell-size-dependent spindle elongation in the Caenorhabditis elegans early embryo

Curr Biol. 2009 Sep 29;19(18):1549-54. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2009.07.050. Epub 2009 Aug 13.

Abstract

Cell size is one of the critical parameters controlling the size of intracellular structures. A well-known example is the constant nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio (N/C ratio) [1-5]. The length of the metaphase spindle is proportional to cell size, but it has an upper limit during early embryogenesis [6]. During anaphase, the mitotic spindle elongates and delivers the centrosomes and sister chromatids near the centers of the nascent daughter cells. Here, we quantified the relationship between spindle elongation and cell size in the early embryo of Caenorhabditis elegans and propose possible models for cell-size-dependent spindle elongation. Quantitative measurements revealed that the extent and speed of spindle elongation are correlated with cell size throughout early embryogenesis. RNAi knockdown of Galpha proteins and their regulators revealed that the spindles failed to fully elongate and that the speed of spindle elongation was almost constant regardless of cell size. Our results suggest that spindle elongation is controlled by two qualitatively distinct mechanisms, i.e., Galpha-dependent and -independent modes of elongation. Simulation analyses revealed that the constant-pulling model and the force-generator-limited model reproduced the dynamics of the Galpha-independent and Galpha-dependent mechanisms, respectively. These models also explain how the set length of spindles is achieved.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anaphase
  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / cytology
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / embryology*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / ultrastructure
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / physiology
  • Cell Size*
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / cytology*
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / ultrastructure
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits / physiology
  • Models, Biological
  • Spindle Apparatus / physiology*
  • Spindle Apparatus / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits