Cytoplasmic dynein as a facilitator of nuclear envelope breakdown

Cell. 2002 Jan 11;108(1):97-107. doi: 10.1016/s0092-8674(01)00628-6.

Abstract

During prophase in higher cells, centrosomes localize to deep invaginations in the nuclear envelope in a microtubule-dependent process. Loss of nuclear membranes in prometaphase commences in regions of the nuclear envelope that lie outside of these invaginations. Dynein and dynactin complex components concentrate on the nuclear envelope prior to any changes in nuclear envelope organization. These observations suggest a model in which dynein facilitates nuclear envelope breakdown by pulling nuclear membranes and associated proteins poleward along astral microtubules leading to nuclear membrane detachment. Support for this model is provided by the finding that interference with dynein function drastically alters nuclear membrane dynamics in prophase and prometaphase.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • CHO Cells
  • Centrosome / metabolism
  • Cricetinae
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • Dynactin Complex
  • Dyneins / metabolism*
  • G2 Phase / physiology
  • Kidney / cytology
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism
  • Microtubules / drug effects
  • Microtubules / metabolism
  • Nocodazole / pharmacology
  • Nuclear Envelope / metabolism*
  • Nuclear Envelope / ultrastructure
  • Prophase / physiology
  • Rats

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Dynactin Complex
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Dyneins
  • Nocodazole