Lost Your Orientation? Find Your Way with PtdIns(3,4,5)P3!

Abstract

Faithful chromosome segregation requires correct positioning of the spindle during mitosis. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Toyoshima et al. describe a new mechanism for spindle orientation involving phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate [PtdIns(3,4,5)P3]. They found that in metaphase cells, dynactin was associated with the cortex through the actin cytoskeleton, and accumulated in the midsections in a PtdIns(3,4,5)P3-dependent manner. Thus, PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 regulates spindle orientation through dynein-dynactin motor complexes. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.