| Plenary 4 | 2:15 pm - 3:00 pm, July 27 |
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| Alex Mogilner |
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| Depts. of Mathematics and Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis |
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| Title | Geometry and force of mitotic spindle assembly |
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| Abstract | Mitotic spindle is a molecular machine segregating chromosomes at the onset of cell division. The spindle self-assembles in prometaphase by the 'search-and-capture' process, in which dynamically unstable microtubules search in space until chromosomes are captured. Quantitative mechanistic understanding of how spindle assembly can be both fast and accurate is lacking. We used computer simulations to test plausible pathways of spindle assembly in realistic geometry. Our results suggest that chromosome movements and rotations is needed to complete prometaphase in 10-20 min while keeping erroneous attachments down to a few per cent. The simulations also suggest that molecular motor forces play an important role in stabilizing the spindle geometry. We compare the model predictions with experimental data for colorectal cancer cells. |
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| Chair | Eric Cytrynbaum |
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| Location | Woodward 2 |
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