Mitosis: new roles for myosin-X and actin at the spindle

Curr Biol. 2008 Oct 14;18(19):R912-4. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2008.08.043.

Abstract

Roles for actin and myosin in positioning mitotic spindles in the cell are well established. A recent study of myosin-X function in early Xenopus embryo mitosis now reports that this unconventional myosin is required for pole integrity and normal spindle length by localizing to poles and exerting pulling forces on actin filaments within the spindle.

MeSH terms

  • Actins / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / physiology
  • Mitosis*
  • Myosins / physiology*
  • Spindle Apparatus / physiology*
  • Xenopus Proteins / physiology*
  • Xenopus laevis

Substances

  • Actins
  • Myo10 protein, Xenopus
  • Xenopus Proteins
  • Myosins