Chromosome mal-orientation and reorientation during mitosis

Cell Motil Cytoskeleton. 1992;22(3):155-9. doi: 10.1002/cm.970220302.

Abstract

We argue that mal-orientation of mitotic chromosomes is not as rare as once believed. However, unlike bivalents during meiosis I, the reorientation of a mal-oriented mitotic chromosome has yet to be observed. This appears to be due, in part, to the difficulty in differentiating mal-oriented chromosomes from mono-oriented ones which are common during spindle formation in living mitotic cells. We assume that mitotic cells possess mechanisms for correcting chromosome mal-orientations that are similar to those operating during meiosis. However, unlike meiosis, where reorientation appears to be triggered when tension on a K-fiber is relieved or reduced, other factors related to the close proximity of sister kinetochores may also induce reorientation in mal-oriented mitotic chromosomes. We favor a model in which the reorientation of a mitotic kinetochore depends on, and is initiated by, the kinetochore capturing MTs from the pole to which it is reorienting.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromosomes*
  • Microtubules / physiology
  • Mitosis*
  • Spindle Apparatus / physiology