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Spindle Angle Measurements
Julien Cau1, Nathalie Morin2, Guillaume Bompard2
1IGH, CNRS UPR1142, Montpellier, France.
Bio-Protocol
|September 29, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a simple ImageJ macro for measuring mitotic spindle angles in cells. The method uses spindle pole positions derived from immunostained cell images.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy
- Biophysics
Background:
- Accurate measurement of the mitotic spindle's orientation is crucial for understanding cell division.
- Previous methods for determining spindle angles can be complex or time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a straightforward and accessible method for quantifying mitotic spindle angles.
- To provide a tool for researchers studying cell division and orientation.
Main Methods:
- Cells were fixed and immunostained for spindle poles (γ-tubulin) and the mitotic spindle (β-tubulin).
- Z-stack images of metaphase cells were acquired.
- A custom ImageJ macro was developed to calculate spindle angles from spindle pole coordinates.
Main Results:
- The developed ImageJ macro successfully measures spindle angles.
- The method relies on precise determination of spindle pole positions from microscopy images.
Conclusions:
- A simple and effective ImageJ macro facilitates the measurement of mitotic spindle angles.
- This tool can aid in quantitative analysis of cell division processes.
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