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Dynein light intermediate chains maintain spindle bipolarity by functioning in centriole cohesion.

Laura A Jones1, Cécile Villemant1, Toby Starborg1

  • 1Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, England, UK.

The Journal of Cell Biology
|November 26, 2014
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Cytoplasmic dynein 1 light intermediate chains (LICs) are essential for maintaining centrosome integrity and bipolar spindle formation during cell division. Their depletion leads to multipolar spindles, revealing a novel role in centriole cohesion.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Motors
  • Mitosis

Background:

  • Cytoplasmic dynein 1 is a crucial microtubule motor protein involved in various cellular processes, including cell division.
  • The specific functions of its light intermediate chains (LICs) during mitosis remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of LICs in the context of cell division.
  • To elucidate the contribution of LICs to spindle formation and centrosome integrity.

Main Methods:

  • Depletion of LICs using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and morpholino oligonucleotides in human cell lines and Xenopus laevis embryos.
  • Analysis of spindle morphology and centrosome integrity in depleted cells.
  • Investigation of the effect of Eg5 inhibition on spindle formation after LIC depletion.

Main Results:

  • Dynein complexes lacking LICs maintained normal microtubule gliding rates.
  • LIC depletion resulted in the formation of multipolar spindles with single centrioles per pole, indicating a loss of centrosome integrity.
  • Inhibition of Eg5 rescued the multipolar spindle phenotype caused by LIC depletion.

Conclusions:

  • LICs are indispensable for the formation and stability of bipolar spindles during mitosis.
  • The dynein complex, through its LICs, plays a critical role in maintaining centriole cohesion.
  • A novel mechanism involving dynein and Eg5 in regulating centriole cohesion during mitosis is proposed.