title: Nucleosome functions in spindle assembly and nuclear envelope formation.
abstract: Chromosomes are not only carriers of the genetic material, but also actively regulate the assembly of complex intracellular architectures. During mitosis, chromosome-induced microtubule polymerisation ensures spindle assembly in cells without centrosomes and plays a supportive role in centrosome-containing cells. Chromosomal signals also mediate post-mitotic nuclear envelope (NE) re-formation. Recent studies using novel approaches to manipulate histones in oocytes, where functions can be analysed in the absence of transcription, have established that nucleosomes, but not DNA alone, mediate the chromosomal regulation of spindle assembly and NE formation. Both processes require the generation of RanGTP by RCC1 recruited to nucleosomes but nucleosomes also acquire cell cycle stage specific regulators, Aurora B in mitosis and ELYS, the initiator of nuclear pore complex assembly, at mitotic exit. Here, we review the mechanisms by which nucleosomes control assembly and functions of the spindle and the NE, and discuss their implications for genome maintenance.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zierhut
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Hironori
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Funabiki
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D042002:Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly; D042822:Genomic Instability; D006801:Humans; D008870:Microtubules / Q000378:metabolism; D009685:Nuclear Envelope / Q000378:metabolism*; D009707:Nucleosomes / Q000502:physiology*; D008941:Spindle Apparatus / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D009707:Nucleosomes
keywords: chromatin; chromosomes; genome maintenance; mitosis; mitotic spindle; nuclear envelope; nuclear pore complex