Aneuploidy in germ cells: disruption of chromosome mover components

The task of the Workgroup on "Disruption of Chromosome Mover Components" was to establish what cellular structures are involved in chromosome segregation and how disruption of these could occur. Recent research on the mechanism of action of the cellular components that segregate chromosomes accurately during mitosis or meiosis has served to highlight the number of potential targets for disruption. The process of chromosome segregation represents an orchestrated chain of events centered on the activities of cellular motors, kinesins and dyneins. These motors are involved in arranging chromosomes at the metaphase plate, providing the spindle tension necessary for progression, and the actual segregation of the chromosomes to the poles. The Workgroup determined that there is a lack of information on the effects of chemical exposure to cell motors and other chromosome mover components, and that there is a clear need for further research. This article describes the discussions of the Workgroup and highlights areas of future research into chromosome movement, particularly in human meiotic and mitotic cells. The Workgroup emphasized that obtaining mechanistic data on the induction of aneuploidy will allow for extrapolation of the dose response curves for chemical exposures below the level of observation and for using aneuploidy data for quantitative risk assessment for adverse health effects.