Mechanobiology of the Mitotic Spindle

Abstract

The mitotic spindle is a microtubule-based assembly that separates the chromosomes during cell division. As the spindle is basically a mechanical micro machine, the understanding of its functioning is constantly motivating the development of experimental approaches based on mechanical perturbations, which are complementary to and work together with the classical genetics and biochemistry methods. Recent data emerging from these approaches in combination with theoretical modeling led to novel ideas and significant revisions of the basic concepts in the field. In this Perspective, we discuss the advances in the understanding of spindle mechanics, focusing on microtubule forces that control chromosome movements.

Keywords: bridging fibers; forces; kinesins; kinetochore fibers; kinetochores; laser ablation; microneedle; microtubules; mitotic spindle; modeling; theory.