Inhibition of mitosis by an antibody to the mitotic calcium transport system

Abstract

Calcium ions are important in the regulation of mitotic apparatus assembly and in the control of chromosome movement1-13. Changes in intracellular free calcium concentration, [Ca2+]i are achieved by an intracellular calcium-transport system which is highlytransport system and mitosis by injection of this monoclonal antibody into living mitotic sea urchin embryos. We find that after injection the intracellular free calcium increases up to 10-6M, the mitotic apparatus is rapidly destroyed and the cell is irreversibly blocked in its development. © 1987 Nature Publishing Group.