Genetic Instability Due to Spindle Anomalies Visualized in Mutants of Dictyostelium

Aberrant centrosome activities in mutants of Dictyostelium discoideum result in anomalies of mitotic spindles that affect the reliability of chromosome segregation. Genetic instabilities caused by these deficiencies are tolerated in multinucleate cells, which can be produced by electric-pulse induced cell fusion as a source for aberrations in the mitotic apparatus of the mutant cells. Dual-color fluorescence labeling of the microtubule system and the chromosomes in live cells revealed the variability of spindle arrangements, of centrosome-nuclear interactions, and of chromosome segregation in the atypical mitoses observed.

Automated summary

Research demonstrates that aberrant centrosome activities in mutants of Dictyostelium discoideum lead to anomalies in mitotic spindles that impact chromosome segregation reliability. Genetic instabilities caused by these deficiencies are tolerated in multinucleate cells, which are produced by electric-pulse induced cell fusion and serve as a source for abnormalities in the mutant cells' mitotic apparatus. Dual-color fluorescence labeling in live cells reveals variability in spindle arrangements, centrosome-nuclear interactions, and chromosome segregation in the atypical mitoses observed.