title: Emergent Properties of the Metaphase Spindle.
abstract: A metaphase spindle is a complex structure consisting of microtubules and a myriad of different proteins that modulate microtubule dynamics together with chromatin and kinetochores. A decade ago, a full description of spindle formation and function seemed a lofty goal. Here, we describe how work in the last 10 years combining cataloging of spindle components, the characterization of their biochemical activities using single-molecule techniques, and theory have advanced our knowledge. Taken together, these advances suggest that a full understanding of spindle assembly and function may soon be possible.
authors.affiliation: Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany Integrative Research Institute (IRI) for the Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Reber
authors.affiliation: Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
authors.forename: Anthony A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Hyman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D008677:Metaphase; D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D008870:Microtubules / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D008941:Spindle Apparatus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D014982:Xenopus laevis
chemical_list: D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins