Components of the spindle-assembly checkpoint are essential in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

The spindle-assembly checkpoint ensures that, during mitosis and meiosis, chromosomes do not segregate until they are properly attached to the microtubules of the spindle. Here we show that mdf-1 and mdf-2 are components of the spindle-assembly checkpoint in Caenorhabditis elegans, and are essential for the long-term survival and fertility of this organism. Loss of function of either of these genes leads to the accumulation of a variety of defects, including chromosome abnormalities, X-chromosome non-disjunction or loss, problems in gonad development, and embryonic lethality. Antibodies that recognize the MDF-2 protein localize to nuclei of the cleaving embryo in a cell-cycle-dependent manner. mdf-1, a gene encoding a product that interacts with MDF-2, is required for cell-cycle arrest and proper chromosome segregation in premeiotic germ cells treated with nocodoazole, a microtubule-depolymerizing agent. In the absence of mdf gene products, errors in chromosome segregation arise and accumulate, ultimately leading to genetic lethality.

Cite this article

Kitagawa, R., Rose, A. Components of the spindle-assembly checkpoint are essential in Caenorhabditis elegans. Nat Cell Biol 1, 514–521 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1038/70309

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