Author: ["Jenny Fink","Nicolas Carpi","Timo Betz","Angelique Bétard","Meriem Chebah","Ammar Azioune","Michel Bornens","Cecile Sykes","Luc Fetler","Damien Cuvelier","Matthieu Piel"]
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Abstract
The response of cells to forces is essential for tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis. This response has been extensively investigated in interphase cells, but it remains unclear how forces affect dividing cells. We used a combination of micro-manipulation tools on human dividing cells to address the role of physical parameters of the micro-environment in controlling the cell division axis, a key element of tissue morphogenesis. We found that forces applied on the cell body direct spindle orientation during mitosis. We further show that external constraints induce a polarization of dynamic subcortical actin structures that correlate with spindle movements. We propose that cells divide according to cues provided by their mechanical micro-environment, aligning daughter cells with the external force field. The cell division axis is determined by the position of the mitotic spindle. How geometrical cues influence spindle orientation is analysed in cells cultured on micropatterns. These experiments show that the mitotic spindle rotates to align with the forces produced by retraction fibres and suggest that forces may be transmitted through a sub-cortical actin structure.Cite this article
Fink, J., Carpi, N., Betz, T. et al. External forces control mitotic spindle positioning. Nat Cell Biol 13, 771–778 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncb2269 