Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Studying Mitotic Checkpoint by Illustrating Dynamic Kinetochore Protein Behavior and Chromosome Motion in Living Drosophila Syncytial Embryos
Published on: June 14, 2012
Spindly switch controls anaphase: spindly and RZZ functions in chromosome attachment and mitotic checkpoint control
1Division of Molecular Pathophysiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.
Abstract:
Spindly is a coiled-coil domain containing protein, also known as CCDC99, that is an important regulator of the mitotic checkpoint. It belongs to a functionally conserved family of proteins that controls the localization and function of cytoplasmic dynein at kinetochores. At kinetochores Spindly interacts with the RZZ (Rod/ZW10/Zwilch) complex and is required for the recruitment of cytoplasmic dynein to kinetochores. Loss of Spindly results in loss of kinetochore dynein functions, which impairs poleward chromosome movements and mitotic checkpoint inactivation. In addition, Spindly regulates the establishment of stable microtubule attachments via regulation of the RZZ complex. Thus, Spindly couples dynein-mediated poleward chromosome movements to the establishment of stable microtubule attachments and subsequent mitotic checkpoint inactivation and provides an important switch for the control of mitosis.
Related Concept Videos
The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint
Many proteins function together to control the spindle assembly checkpoint. Mutations affecting these proteins may allow cells to proceed into anaphase prematurely, resulting in the...
The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint
Many proteins function together to control the spindle assembly checkpoint. Mutations affecting these proteins may allow cells to proceed into anaphase prematurely, resulting in the...
Separation of Sister Chromatids
At the onset of anaphase, separase, a proteolytic enzyme, is...
The Mitotic Spindle
The bipolar configuration of the mitotic spindle facilitates chromosomal segregation, preparing the cell for division. One mechanism that ensures bipolar mitotic...
The Mitotic Spindle
The bipolar configuration of the mitotic spindle facilitates chromosomal segregation, preparing the cell for division. One mechanism that ensures bipolar mitotic...
Spindle Assembly
In most cells, centrosomes are the primary microtubule nucleation centers. In the centrosome-mediated pathway, the G2-prophase transition triggers centrosome maturation and increased microtubule nucleation. Progressive nucleation results in a microtubule array...

