Letter abstract
Nature Cell Biology 10, 1301 - 1308 (2008)
Published online: 5 October 2008 | doi:10.1038/ncb1788
Actin-driven chromosomal motility leads to symmetry breaking in mammalian meiotic oocytes
Hongbin Li1, Fengli Guo1, Boris Rubinstein1 & Rong Li1
Movement of meiosis I (MI) chromosomes from the oocyte centre to a subcortical location is the first step in the establishment of cortical polarity. This is required for two consecutive rounds of asymmetric meiotic cell divisions, which generate a mature egg and two polar bodies1. Here we use live-cell imaging and genetic and pharmacological manipulations to determine the force-generating mechanism underlying this chromosome movement. Chromosomes were observed to move toward the cortex in a pulsatile manner along a meandering path. This movement is not propelled by myosin-II-driven cortical flow but is associated with a cloud of dynamic actin filaments trailing behind the chromosomes/spindle. Formation of these filaments depends on the actin nucleation activity of Fmn2, a formin-family protein that concentrates around chromosomes through its amino-terminal region. Symmetry breaking of the actin cloud relative to chromosomes, and net chromosome translocation toward the cortex require actin turnover.
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA.
Correspondence to: Rong Li1 e-mail: rli@stowers-institute.org
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