Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2025

Evaluation of the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint Integrity in Mouse Oocytes
Published on: September 13, 2022
Principles and dynamics of spindle assembly checkpoint signalling
Andrew D McAinsh1,2, Geert J P L Kops3,4
1Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK. a.d.mcainsh@warwick.ac.uk.
Abstract:
The transmission of a complete set of chromosomes to daughter cells during cell division is vital for development and tissue homeostasis. The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) ensures correct segregation by informing the cell cycle machinery of potential errors in the interactions of chromosomes with spindle microtubules prior to anaphase. To do so, the SAC monitors microtubule engagement by specialized structures known as kinetochores and integrates local mechanical and chemical cues such that it can signal in a sensitive, responsive and robust manner. In this Review, we discuss how SAC proteins interact to allow production of the mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC) that halts anaphase progression by inhibiting the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C). We highlight recent advances aimed at understanding the dynamic signalling properties of the SAC and how it interprets various naturally occurring intermediate attachment states. Further, we discuss SAC signalling in the context of the mammalian multisite kinetochore and address the impact of the fibrous corona. We also identify current challenges in understanding how the SAC ensures high-fidelity chromosome segregation.
More Related Videos
08:33Combining Mitotic Cell Synchronization and High Resolution Confocal Microscopy to Study the Role of Multifunctional Cell Cycle Proteins During Mitosis
Published on: December 5, 2017
13:59Studying Mitotic Checkpoint by Illustrating Dynamic Kinetochore Protein Behavior and Chromosome Motion in Living Drosophila Syncytial Embryos
Published on: June 14, 2012
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...
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...
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...
The Cell Cycle Control System
Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) are the primary cell cycle regulators and...
Attachment of Sister Chromatids