Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2025
07:48
Use of Time-Lapse Microscopy and Stage-Specific Nuclear Depletion of Proteins to Study Meiosis in S. cerevisiae
Published on: October 11, 2022
1.9K
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.
Chromosoma
|September 20, 2023
Summary
CTCF protein is crucial for accurate cell division (mitosis). Its absence leads to prolonged mitosis and errors in chromosome segregation, impacting daughter cell formation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mitosis ensures equal genome distribution to daughter cells.
- CTCF protein's role in mitosis and mitotic fidelity is not fully understood.
- CTCF is known to interact with CENP-E during mitosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the importance of CTCF in maintaining mitotic fidelity.
- To analyze the effects of CTCF knockdown on mitotic progression and chromosome segregation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized CRISPR-based genetic knockdowns to reduce CTCF levels.
- Employed time-lapse imaging (SiR-DNA) to track mitotic behaviors.
- Conducted immunofluorescence imaging of mitotic spindles and interphase nuclei.
Main Results:
- CTCF knockdown resulted in prolonged mitoses and failed anaphase segregation.
- Observed disorganized mitotic spindles (tri/tetrapolar) and lagging chromosomes.
- CTCF depletion led to increased interphase nuclear size, indicating genome division failure.
Conclusions:
- CTCF is essential for proper metaphase organization and anaphase chromosome segregation.
- CTCF's role in recruiting CENP-E is likely critical for its function in mitosis.
- Disruptions in mitosis due to CTCF loss affect interphase nuclear morphology.
Related Concept Videos
02:19The 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
02:17Separation 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
02:27The Mitotic Spindle
6.6K
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...
6.6K
02:50Spindle 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
01:42Microtubule 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
02:57Attachment of Sister Chromatids
3.3K
As cells progress into mitosis, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the condensed chromosomes are exposed to the array of bipolar microtubules of the mitotic spindle. The kinetochore, a large, disc-shaped protein complex, is present at the centromere region of the sister chromatids and acts as a binding site for the microtubules. Usually, the plus-end of a single microtubule is embedded within the kinetochore. However, some kinetochores first establish lateral contact with the side-wall...
3.3K