The long-term objective of this work is to understand the molecular basis of regulated mitotic spindle orientation. Alignment of the mitotic spindle along a predetermined axis is required for proper cell function in many contexts, including differentiation, embryogenesis, and organogenesis. For example, during the asymmetric division of Drosophila neuroblasts, precursors of the central nervous system, cell fate determinants localize to opposite poles of the cell such that they become segregated into discrete daughter cells. Proper distribution of determinants, and subsequent fate specification, requires that the mitotic spindle align precisely with the polarity axis. We propose to investigate this process by reconstituting spindle orientation in a cultured cell that does not normally orient the spindle. Establishing regulated spindle positioning in this context will allow us to determine which components are sufficient for spindle orientation, and we propose to examine these components biochemically and structurally to determine their mechanism of action. In our preliminary work we have successfully polarized Drosophila S2 cells using the adhesion protein Echinoid and have found that expression of Echinoid proteins in which the cytoplasmic portion has been replaced with domains from the Partner of Inscuteable (Pins) protein can robustly orient the spindle in a manner similar to neuroblasts. We are using a combination of biochemical, biophysical, and cell biological methods to investigate the function of molecules that we identify in our spindle orientation reconstitution, including Pins.
During cell division, chromosomes are separated into the daughter cells by the mitotic spindle. In many cells, the spindle must be precisely positioned for proper tissue organization, differentiation, or prevention of tumor formation. In this work, we are attempting to identify the cellular machinery required for spindle position control by attempting to recreate this process in a cell type that does not normally orient its spindle. As the loss of accurate spindle positioning is associated with human disease, improving our understanding of the molecules that control this process will contribute to our knowledge of the mechanisms of disease states.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 12 publications
