Date:
29 Nov 2011, 16:00 - 17:00

Host:
Jason Swedlow

How to Power Chromosome movement

Andrew McAinsh

Mitosis, the set of processes by which chromosome-pairs are first shuttled into a central position (in metaphase), and subsequently segregated to opposite poles of the cell (in anaphase), is fundamental to all eukaryotic life. Chromosome movement is to a large extent driven by kinetochores, which are adaptive, multi-layered mechanochemical machines that assemble at the centromere of each sister chromatid and engage the plus ends of k-fibres, microtubule (MT) bundles that emanate from the spindle poles.  Our work is focused on understanding how kinetochores control microtubule plus-end dynamics in order to maneuver chromosomes into position. Here I will present our most recent work, which shows the mechanism by which the constitutive centromere associated network (CCAN) of proteins controls microtubule plus-end dynamics. I will then show how chromosome movements during metaphase are also under the control of non-kinetochore motor proteins. This has led to the realization that chromosomes do not move autonomously within the spindle, but are influenced by the motion of their neighbours.

Type of Event:
Seminar

Speaker:
Andrew McAinsh

Location:
WTB Seminar Room