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Related Concept Videos

Stem Cell Niche01:26

Stem Cell Niche

The stem cell niche is the dynamic microenvironment where stem cells reside. Inside these niches, the cells may remain undifferentiated, undergo high self-renewal, or become lineage-specific progenitors. Stem cells coexist with other niche cells, such as stromal cells. They also interact closely with the ECM. Cell-cell and cell-matrix communication occur via adhesion molecules or soluble factors that signal the stem cells and determine their fate. Stromal cells also provide survival signals to...
Spindle Assembly02:50

Spindle Assembly

Spindle assembly occurs through three, often coexisting, pathways – the centrosome-mediated pathway, the chromatin-mediated pathway, and the microtubule-mediated pathway – collectively contributing to form a robust spindle apparatus.
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...
Determining the Plane of Cell Division02:13

Determining the Plane of Cell Division

Positioning the cell division plane is a critical step during development and cell differentiation, particularly during mitosis when the plane is essential for determining the size of the two daughter cells. The cell division plane is perpendicular to the plane of chromosome segregation, but different types of organisms have different cell division mechanisms to suit their morphology and function. 
Animal cells
In animal cells, the cleavage furrow forms along the plane of cell division starting...
The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint02:19

The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint

The spindle assembly checkpoint is a molecular surveillance mechanism ensuring the fidelity of chromosome segregation during anaphase. The checkpoint monitors the completion of all the prerequisite steps before chromosome segregation to determine whether the segregation process should proceed or be delayed.
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 Checkpoint02:19

The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint

The spindle assembly checkpoint is a molecular surveillance mechanism ensuring the fidelity of chromosome segregation during anaphase. The checkpoint monitors the completion of all the prerequisite steps before chromosome segregation to determine whether the segregation process should proceed or be delayed.
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 Mitotic Spindle02:27

The Mitotic Spindle

The mitotic spindle—or spindle apparatus—is a eukaryotic, cytoskeletal structure made up of long protein fibers called microtubules. Formed during cell division, the spindle separates sister chromatids and moves them to opposite ends of a parental cell, where the now individual chromosomes are distributed to two daughter cell nuclei.
The bipolar configuration of the mitotic spindle facilitates chromosomal segregation, preparing the cell for division. One mechanism that ensures bipolar mitotic...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Reconstitution of Basic Mitotic Spindles in Spherical Emulsion Droplets
10:52

Reconstitution of Basic Mitotic Spindles in Spherical Emulsion Droplets

Published on: August 13, 2016

Spindle positioning in the stem cell niche.

Swathi Yadlapalli1, Yukiko M Yamashita

  • 1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. swathi@umich.edu

Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Developmental Biology
|June 27, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Stem cell division relies on spindle orientation within the stem cell niche. Cytoskeletal elements coordinate this process, ensuring proper tissue development and homeostasis.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Stem Cell Biology

Background:

  • Stem cells possess self-renewal and differentiation capabilities, crucial for tissue formation.
  • Asymmetric stem cell division balances self-renewal and differentiation.
  • Stem cell behavior is regulated by the stem cell niche.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms of stem cell spindle orientation.
  • To emphasize the relationship between spindle orientation and the stem cell niche.
  • To discuss the role of spindle orientation in tissue development and homeostasis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies on stem cell spindle orientation.
  • Analysis of cytoskeletal involvement in asymmetric cell division.
  • Examination of the stem cell niche's regulatory role.

Main Results:

  • Cytoskeletal components are critical for asymmetric stem cell division.
  • Mitotic spindle orientation is often aligned with the stem cell niche.
  • Microtubule networks and cell membrane components (adherens junctions, actin cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix) support spindle orientation.

Conclusions:

  • Stem cell spindle orientation is a key mechanism regulated by the stem cell niche.
  • Proper spindle orientation, influenced by cytoskeletal interactions, is essential for tissue development and homeostasis.