Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2025

08:49
Self-Assembly of Microtubule Tactoids
Published on: June 23, 2022
4.0K
CTCF is essential for proper mitotic spindle structure and anaphase segregation.
Katherine Chiu1, Yasmin Berrada1, Nebiyat Eskndir1
1Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|January 30, 2023
Summary
CTCF knockdown disrupts mitosis, causing prolonged cell division and failed genome segregation. This impacts nuclear size and shape, highlighting CTCF's role in mitotic fidelity.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Mitosis ensures equal genome distribution to daughter cells.
- The role of CTCF (CCCTC-binding factor) in mitotic fidelity is not well understood.
Approach:
- Investigated CTCF's function in mitosis using CRISPR-based knockdowns in wild-type cells.
- Utilized time-lapse and immunofluorescence imaging to analyze mitotic behaviors and spindle organization.
- Assessed cell cycling and mitotic checkpoint activation.
Key Points:
- CTCF knockdown leads to prolonged mitosis and failed anaphase segregation.
- Disorganization of the mitotic spindle, including tri/tetrapolar spindles, was observed.
- Nuclear size increased in interphase following CTCF knockdown, indicating genome segregation failure.
Conclusions:
- CTCF is crucial for maintaining mitotic fidelity, ensuring proper metaphase organization and anaphase segregation.
- Disruption of CTCF function affects the cell cycle and interphase nuclear morphology.
- Individual mitotic behaviors are critical for accurate genome division, which population-level analysis may obscure.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint
3.2K
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...
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...
3.2K
Separation of Sister Chromatids
3.7K
At the transition from prophase to metaphase, there is a reduction in cohesion along the chromosomal arms, resulting in the resolution of sister chromatids. However, residual cohesin connections remain to hold the sister chromatids together until the transition from metaphase to anaphase. The residual connection prevents any premature separation of sister chromatids, blocking the risks of aneuploidy within the daughter cells.
At the onset of anaphase, separase, a proteolytic enzyme, is...
At the onset of anaphase, separase, a proteolytic enzyme, is...
3.7K
The Mitotic Spindle
6.7K
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...
The bipolar configuration of the mitotic spindle facilitates chromosomal segregation, preparing the cell for division. One mechanism that ensures...
6.7K
Spindle Assembly
3.7K
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...
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...
3.7K
Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs)
4.4K
Microtubule function and architecture are regulated by an array of specialized proteins called microtubule-associated proteins or MAPs. These proteins are widespread across different organisms and have conserved protein motifs, like the multi-TOG domain for tubulin binding found in the CLASP family of MAPs. Some MAPs are lineage-specific based on their conserved domains. Their functions depend upon the cytoskeletal architecture and cell type they are located within. In-plant cells, a specific...
4.4K
Forces Acting on Chromosomes
3.4K
During mitosis, chromosome movements occur through the interplay of multiple piconewton level forces. In prometaphase, these forces help in chromosome assembly or congression at the equatorial plane, eventually leading to their alignment at the metaphase plate. The forces acting on the chromosomes are space and time-dependent; therefore, they vary with the position of the chromosomes as the cell progresses through mitosis.
Microtubules and motor proteins exert two types of forces on...
Microtubules and motor proteins exert two types of forces on...
3.4K

