The molecular basis of anaphase A in animal cells

Chromosome Res. 2011 Apr;19(3):423-32. doi: 10.1007/s10577-011-9199-2.

Abstract

The mechanisms that move chromatids poleward during anaphase A have fascinated researchers for decades. There is now growing evidence that this movement is tightly linked to the active depolymerization of both ends of kinetochore-associated microtubules, a mechanism we refer to as "Pacman-Flux." Contemporary data suggest that this is catalyzed by the integration of multiple enzymatic activities including (1) microtubule-end depolymerases housed at the pole or kinetochore, (2) microtubule-severing enzymes used to uncap the ends of kinetochore-associated microtubules, and (3) molecular motors which drive tubulins towards the pole or into kinetochores.

MeSH terms

  • Anaphase / genetics
  • Anaphase / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Chromatids / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Kinetochores / metabolism
  • Microtubules / metabolism