The Xenopus spindle is as dense as the surrounding cytoplasm

Biswas A, Kim K, Cojoc G, Guck J, Reber S (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Developmental Cell Elsevier (Cell Press)

Book Volume: 56

Pages Range: 967-975.e5

Journal Issue: 7

DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.03.013

Abstract

The mitotic spindle is a self-organizing molecular machine, where hundreds of different molecules continuously interact to maintain a dynamic steady state. While our understanding of key molecular players in spindle assembly is significant, it is still largely unknown how the spindle's material properties emerge from molecular interactions. Here, we use correlative fluorescence imaging and label-free three-dimensional optical diffraction tomography (ODT) to measure the Xenopus spindle's mass density distribution. While the spindle has been commonly referred to as a denser phase of the cytoplasm, we find that it has the same density as its surrounding, which makes it neutrally buoyant. Molecular perturbations suggest that spindle mass density can be modulated by tuning microtubule nucleation and dynamics. Together, ODT provides direct, unbiased, and quantitative information of the spindle's emergent physical properties—essential to advance predictive frameworks of spindle assembly and function.

Authors with CRIS profile

Jochen Guck

Involved external institutions

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin DE Germany (DE) Max-Planck-Institut für die Physik des Lichts (MPL) / Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light DE Germany (DE) Technische Universität Dresden DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Biswas, A., Kim, K., Cojoc, G., Guck, J., & Reber, S. (2021). The Xenopus spindle is as dense as the surrounding cytoplasm. Developmental Cell, 56(7), 967-975.e5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.devcel.2021.03.013

MLA:

Biswas, Abin, et al. "The Xenopus spindle is as dense as the surrounding cytoplasm." Developmental Cell 56.7 (2021): 967-975.e5.

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