Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Live Cell Imaging to Assess the Dynamics of Metaphase Timing and Cell Fate Following Mitotic Spindle Perturbations
Published on: September 20, 2019
Asymmetric cell division and replicative aging: a new perspective from the spindle poles
Javier Manzano-López1, Fernando Monje-Casas2
1Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa (CABIMER), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) - University of Seville - University Pablo de Olavide, Avda. Américo Vespucio, 24, P.C.T. Cartuja 93, 41092, Sevilla, Spain. javier.manzano@cabimer.es.
Asymmetric cell division generates unequal daughter cells, crucial for development and health. Non-random distribution of microtubule organizing centers influences aging factors, maintaining cell lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Cell division typically produces identical daughter cells, but asymmetric divisions create differences.
- Asymmetric cell division is vital for embryonic development, regeneration, and tissue formation.
- Errors in cell division asymmetry are linked to cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders, and accelerated aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on the role of microtubule organizing centers in asymmetric cell division.
- To explore how non-random distribution of these centers affects aging factors and cell lifespan.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on asymmetric cell division and microtubule organizing centers.
- Analysis of studies investigating the distribution of spindle-associated microtubule organizing centers.
Main Results:
- Microtubule organizing centers are differentially allocated during asymmetric cell divisions.
- This non-random distribution influences the unequal segregation of aging factors.
- Proper distribution contributes to maintaining the replicative lifespan of cells.
Conclusions:
- The asymmetric distribution of microtubule organizing centers is a key mechanism in regulating cell aging.
- Understanding this process is crucial for addressing age-related diseases and developmental disorders.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Anaphase A and B
Plus-end depolymerization releases tubulin heterodimers from the terminal region of the microtubule. As tubulin subunits are lost, the Ndc80 complexes detach...
Replicative Cell Senescence
Centrioles and Centrosomes
Near the end of the prophase, also called late prophase or...
Meiosis vs. Mitosis
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...

