Regulated assembly of the mitotic spindle: A perspective from two ends

Abstract

Chromosome segregration and cell division requires the regulated assembly of the mitotic spindle apparatus. This mitotic spindle is composed of condensed chromosomes attached to a dynamic array of microtubules. The microtubule array is nucleated by centrosomes and organized by associated structural and motor proteins. Mechanical linkages between sister chromatids and microtubules are critical for spindle assembly and chromosome segregation. Defects in either chromosome or centrosome segregation can lead to aneuploidy and are correlated with cancer progression. In this review, we discuss current models of how centrosomes and chromosomes organize the spindle for their equal distribution to each daughter cell.