Overview Cell Structures Cell Migration Cell Division  

Regulation of Cell Cycle by the Anaphase Spindle Midzone as Detected by Microsurgery

Murata-Hori et al., BMC Cell Biol. 5:49 (2005)

The spindle midzone is loaded with signaling proteins, some of which do not appear to be involved directly in cytokinesis but possibly in regulating cell cycle progression. This hypothesis was tested by microsurgical cutting of dividing cells along a line slightly away from the equator, such that one of the daughter cells receives most of the midzone components. Progression of the subsequent cell cycle was then followed by long-term time-lapse imaging.

Cutting during Early Anaphase Causes Differential Progression of the Subsequent Cell Cycle

The cut, made before the onset of cytokinesis, leaves the midzone almost entirely in the upper daughter cell. The two cells show similar, normal morphology during the ensuing interphase. However the lower cell shows a serious delay in the entry into the subsequent mitosis. Recording time, 24 hours.

Cutting during Telophase Has No Effect on the Progression of the Subsequent Cell Cycle

The cut, made near the end of cytokinesis, leaves the midbody almost entirely in the upper daughter cell. The two cells show no significant difference in the entry into the subsequent mitosis. Recording time, 10 hours.