Abstract
Despite drastic cellular changes during cleavage, a mitotic spindle assembles in each blastomere to accurately segregate duplicated chromosomes. Mechanisms of mitotic spindle assembly have been extensively studied using small somatic cells. However, mechanisms of spindle assembly in large vertebrate embryos remain little understood. Here, we establish functional assay systems in medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos by combining CRISPR knock-in with auxin-inducible degron technology. Live imaging reveals several unexpected features of microtubule organization and centrosome positioning that achieve rapid, accurate cleavage. Importantly, Ran-GTP assembles a dense microtubule network at the metaphase spindle center that is essential for chromosome segregation in early embryos. This unique spindle structure is remodeled into a typical short, somatic-like spindle after blastula stages, when Ran-GTP becomes dispensable for chromosome segregation. We propose that despite the presence of centrosomes, the chromosome-derived Ran-GTP pathway has essential roles in functional spindle assembly in large, rapidly dividing vertebrate early embryos, similar to acentrosomal spindle assembly in oocytes.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
