We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Cell Division Checkpoint Genes Regulate Chromosome Dispersal

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 14 Feb 2013
Observation of cell division in yeast has revealed how a pair of genes works in tandem to ensure that the correct number of chromosomes is transferred to each daughter cell.

The spindle checkpoint ensures accurate chromosome segregation by delaying cell-cycle progression until all sister kinetochores capture microtubules from opposite poles and come under tension. More...
Kinetochores are assemblies of at least 19 proteins on chromatids where the spindle fibers attach during cell division to pull sister chromatids apart.

Although the checkpoint is activated by either the lack of kinetochore-microtubule attachments or defects in the tension exerted by microtubule-generated forces, it has not been clear whether these signals were linked.

Investigators at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (Oklahoma City, USA) used high-powered microscopy to elucidate the stages of chromosome-microtubule interactions and their regulation by the genes Ipl1/Aurora B and Mps1 through meiosis.

They reported in the January 31, 2013, online edition of the journal Science that Ipl1/Aurora B released kinetochore-microtubule (kMT) associations following meiotic entry, liberating chromosomes to begin homologous pairing. Surprisingly, most chromosome pairs began their spindle interactions with incorrect kMT attachments. Ipl1/Aurora B released these improper connections while Mps1 triggered the formation of new force-generating microtubule attachments.

"Ipl1/Aurora B and Mps1 genes act as quality controllers and master regulators. If they are removed, the entire process goes haywire," said senior author Dr. Dean Dawson, a member of the cell cycle and cancer biology research program at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.

"When cells divide, they first duplicate the DNA, which is carried on the chromosomes. Think of the cell kind of like a factory. First it duplicates the chromosomes—so that each one becomes a pair, then it lines them up so the pairs can be pulled apart—with one copy going to each daughter cell. This way, one perfect set goes to each new daughter cell, ensuring that the two new cells that come from the division have full sets of the DNA," said Dr. Dawson. "The human body begins as a single cell. Through the process of cell division, we come to be composed of trillions of cells. And every one of those divisions must be perfect so that each new cell inherits a correct set of chromosomes. Given the sheer number of cell divisions involved, it is amazing there are not more mistakes. My laboratory is interested in dissecting the machine that does this so well and understanding why it fails in some rare cases."

Related Links:
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation


Gold Member
Flocked Fiber Swabs
Puritan® Patented HydraFlock®
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Gram-Negative Blood Culture Assay
LIAISON PLEX Gram-Negative Blood Culture Assay
New
Blood Glucose Test Strip
AutoSense Test
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: A diagnostic test can distinguish patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who can be cured with surgery alone (Photo courtesy of University of Turku)

Novel Diagnostic Tool to Revolutionize Treatment Guidance of Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a solid tumor type commonly treated with surgery. However, there has been no clinically available method to determine which patients can be cured with surgery... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The microfluidic device for passive separation of platelet-rich plasma from whole blood (Photo courtesy of University of the Basque Country)

Portable and Disposable Device Obtains Platelet-Rich Plasma Without Complex Equipment

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) plays a crucial role in regenerative medicine due to its ability to accelerate healing and repair tissue. However, obtaining PRP traditionally requires expensive centrifugation... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The 3D paper-based analytical device has shown high clinical accuracy for adult-onset immunodeficiency (Photo courtesy of National Taiwan University)

Paper-Based Device Accurately Detects Immune Defects in 10 Minutes

Patients with hidden immune defects are especially vulnerable to severe and persistent infections, often due to autoantibodies that block interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), a key molecule in immune defense.... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The groundbreaking salmonella antimicrobial resistance prediction platform has demonstrated 95% accuracy (Photo courtesy of Yujie You et al., DOI: 10.1016/j.eng.2025.01.013)

New Platform Leverages AI and Quantum Computing to Predict Salmonella Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella strains are a growing public health concern due to the overuse of antimicrobials and the rise of genetic mutations. Accurate prediction of resistance is crucial for effective... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The Check4 gene-detection platform (Photo courtesy of IdentifySensors)

Electronic Biosensors Used to Detect Pathogens Can Rapidly Detect Cancer Cells

A major challenge in healthcare is the early and affordable detection of serious diseases such as cancer. Early diagnosis remains difficult due to the complexity of identifying specific genetic markers... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.