|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
J. Cell Biol.,
Volume 144, Number 5, March 8, 1999 927-946
* European Molecular Biology Laboratory, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany; To identify novel components required for
cell division processes in complex eukaryotes, we have
undertaken an extensive mutational analysis in the one
cell stage Caenorhabditis elegans embryo. The large size
and optical properties of this cell permit observation of
cell division processes with great detail in live specimens by simple differential interference contrast (DIC)
microscopy. We have screened an extensive collection
of maternal-effect embryonic lethal mutations on chromosome III with time-lapse DIC video microscopy. Using this assay, we have identified 48 mutations in 34 loci
which are required for specific cell division processes in
the one cell stage embryo. We show that mutations fall
into distinct phenotypic classes which correspond,
among others, to the processes of pronuclear migration,
rotation of centrosomes and associated pronuclei, spindle assembly, chromosome segregation, anaphase spindle positioning, and cytokinesis. We have further
analyzed pronuclear migration mutants by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy using antibodies against
tubulin and ZYG-9, a centrosomal marker. This analysis revealed that two pronuclear migration loci are required for generating normal microtubule arrays and
four for centrosome separation. All 34 loci have been
mapped by deficiencies to distinct regions of chromosome III, thus paving the way for their rapid molecular characterization. Our work contributes to establishing
the one cell stage C. elegans embryo as a powerful
metazoan model system for dissecting cell division processes.
Max-Planck-Institut für Biochemie, D-82152
Martinsried, Germany; and § Max-Planck-Institute for Cell Biology and Genetics, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
CiteULike 
Complore 
Connotea 
Del.icio.us 
Digg 
Reddit 
Technorati What's this?
This article has been cited by other articles:
|
|
