Abstract
The formation of a metaphase spindle, a bipolar microtubule array with centrally aligned chromosomes, is a prerequisite for the faithful segregation of a cell's genetic material. Using a full-genome RNA interference screen of Drosophila S2 cells, we identified about 200 genes that contribute to spindle assembly, more than half of which were unexpected. The screen, in combination with a variety of secondary assays, led to new insights into how spindle microtubules are generated; how centrosomes are positioned; and how centrioles, centrosomes, and kinetochores are assembled.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cell Line
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Centrosome / metabolism
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Centrosome / ultrastructure
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Chromosomes / physiology
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Chromosomes / ultrastructure
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Drosophila Proteins / genetics*
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Drosophila Proteins / physiology*
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Drosophila melanogaster
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Genes, Insect*
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Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
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Kinetochores / metabolism
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Metaphase
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Microtubules / metabolism
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Mitosis
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Phenotype
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RNA Interference
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Spindle Apparatus / genetics*
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Spindle Apparatus / metabolism*
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Spindle Apparatus / ultrastructure
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Tubulin / metabolism
Substances
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Drosophila Proteins
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Tubulin