Integrins as regulators of the mitotic machinery

Mitotic spindle bipolarity defines a unique division plane that promotes the successful transmission of genetic material during cytokinesis. The positioning and orientation of the spindle determines the symmetry of cell division and the relative location of daughter cells, which regulate cell fate decisions that contribute to embryonic development and tissue differentiation. Recent studies have identified integrins as regulators of spindle positioning and orientation, as well as spindle bipolarity and cytokinesis. This review summarizes and discusses the current effort focused on understanding how integrins regulate these mitotic events.