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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Live Cell Imaging to Assess the Dynamics of Metaphase Timing and Cell Fate Following Mitotic Spindle Perturbations
Published on: September 20, 2019
Centrosome aberrations after nilotinib and imatinib treatment in vitro are associated with mitotic spindle defects
Alice Fabarius1, Michelle Giehl, Oliver Frank
1III. Medizinische Universitätsklinik, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany. alice.fabarius@med3.ma.uni-heidelberg.de
Abstract:
Centrosomes play fundamental roles in mitotic spindle organisation, chromosome segregation and maintenance of genetic stability. Recently, we have demonstrated that the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib induces centrosome and chromosome aberrations in vitro. Here, we comparatively investigated the effects of imatinib and the more potent successor drug nilotinib on centrosome, mitotic spindle and karyotype status in primary human fibroblasts. Therapeutic doses of imatinib and/or nilotinib administered separately, consecutively or in combination similarly induced centrosome, mitotic spindle, and karyotype aberrations. Our data suggest that distinct tyrosine kinases likewise targeted by both drugs are essential actuators in maintenance of centrosome and karyotype integrity.
Insights
The tyrosine kinase inhibitors imatinib and nilotinib cause centrosome and chromosome damage in human cells. These drugs disrupt mitotic spindle organization and genetic stability, highlighting the importance of targeted kinases in maintaining cell integrity.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Centrosomes are crucial for cell division, ensuring accurate chromosome segregation and genetic stability.
- Previous research indicated that imatinib can induce centrosome and chromosome abnormalities in vitro.
- Tyrosine kinases are key regulators of cellular processes, including those involving centrosomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of imatinib and nilotinib on centrosome, mitotic spindle, and karyotype status in human fibroblasts.
- To investigate whether these drugs, targeting similar tyrosine kinases, impact genomic integrity.
- To understand the role of targeted tyrosine kinases in maintaining centrosome and karyotype stability.
Main Methods:
- Primary human fibroblasts were treated with therapeutic doses of imatinib and/or nilotinib.
- Drugs were administered separately, consecutively, or in combination.
- Centrosome, mitotic spindle, and karyotype status were analyzed to assess aberrations.
Main Results:
- Both imatinib and nilotinib, individually or in combination, induced significant centrosome aberrations.
- Mitotic spindle organization and karyotype status were similarly disrupted by the treatments.
- The observed aberrations were consistent across different administration schedules.
Conclusions:
- Distinct tyrosine kinases targeted by imatinib and nilotinib are essential for maintaining centrosome integrity.
- Disruption of these kinases leads to mitotic spindle and karyotype abnormalities.
- These findings underscore the critical role of specific tyrosine kinases in safeguarding genomic stability.
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