1
|
Pineda-Santaella A, Martín-García R, Fernández-Álvarez A. Analyzing self-assembled spindle dynamics in fission yeast meiosis using in vivo fluorescence imaging. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102655. [PMID: 37864786 PMCID: PMC10598709 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosome segregation in female meiosis in many metazoans is mediated by acentrosomal spindles. The analysis of the dynamics of self-assembled spindles is a challenge due to the low availability of oocytes. Here, we present a protocol for analyzing self-assembled spindle dynamics in fission yeast meiosis using in vivo fluorescence imaging. We describe steps for starter culture preparation, meiosis induction, and sample preparation. We then detail procedures for acquisition and analysis of images of self-assembled spindles. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Pineda-Santaella and Fernández-Álvarez (2019)1 and Pineda-Santaella et al. (2021).2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Pineda-Santaella
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and Universidad de Salamanca, Calle Zacarías González 2, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rebeca Martín-García
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and Universidad de Salamanca, Calle Zacarías González 2, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Alfonso Fernández-Álvarez
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and Universidad de Salamanca, Calle Zacarías González 2, 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fernández-Álvarez A. Beyond tradition: exploring the non-canonical functions of telomeres in meiosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1278571. [PMID: 38020928 PMCID: PMC10679444 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1278571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The telomere bouquet is a specific chromosomal configuration that forms during meiosis at the zygotene stage, when telomeres cluster together at the nuclear envelope. This clustering allows cytoskeleton-induced movements to be transmitted to the chromosomes, thereby facilitating homologous chromosome search and pairing. However, loss of the bouquet results in more severe meiotic defects than can be attributed solely to recombination problems, suggesting that the bouquet's full function remains elusive. Despite its transient nature and the challenges in performing in vivo analyses, information is emerging that points to a remarkable suite of non-canonical functions carried out by the bouquet. Here, we describe how new approaches in quantitative cell biology can contribute to establishing the molecular basis of the full function and plasticity of the bouquet, and thus generate a comprehensive picture of the telomeric control of meiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Fernández-Álvarez
- Institute of Functional Biology and Genomics (IBFG), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pineda-Santaella A, Fernández-Castillo N, Jiménez-Martín A, Macías-Cabeza MDC, Sánchez-Gómez Á, Fernández-Álvarez A. Loss of kinesin-8 improves the robustness of the self-assembled spindle in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:271184. [PMID: 34346498 PMCID: PMC8435293 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.253799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome segregation in female meiosis in many metazoans is mediated by acentrosomal spindles, the existence of which implies that microtubule spindles self-assemble without the participation of the centrosomes. Although it is thought that acentrosomal meiosis is not conserved in fungi, we recently reported the formation of self-assembled microtubule arrays, which were able to segregate chromosomes, in fission yeast mutants, in which the contribution of the spindle pole body (SPB; the centrosome equivalent in yeast) was specifically blocked during meiosis. Here, we demonstrate that this unexpected microtubule formation represents a bona fide type of acentrosomal spindle. Moreover, a comparative analysis of these self-assembled spindles and the canonical SPB-dependent spindle reveals similarities and differences; for example, both spindles have a similar polarity, but the location of the γ-tubulin complex differs. We also show that the robustness of self-assembled spindles can be reinforced by eliminating kinesin-8 family members, whereas kinesin-8 mutants have an adverse impact on SPB-dependent spindles. Hence, we consider that reinforced self-assembled spindles in yeast will help to clarify the molecular mechanisms behind acentrosomal meiosis, a crucial step towards better understanding gametogenesis. Summary: We report a comparative analysis of self-assembled spindles and canonical centrosomal spindles in fission yeast, which could clarify the mechanisms underlying acentrosomal meiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Pineda-Santaella
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD), Universidad Pablo de Olavide - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Junta de Andalucía, Ctra. Utrera Km. 4, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Nazaret Fernández-Castillo
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD), Universidad Pablo de Olavide - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Junta de Andalucía, Ctra. Utrera Km. 4, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Alberto Jiménez-Martín
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD), Universidad Pablo de Olavide - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Junta de Andalucía, Ctra. Utrera Km. 4, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - María Del Carmen Macías-Cabeza
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD), Universidad Pablo de Olavide - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Junta de Andalucía, Ctra. Utrera Km. 4, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Ángela Sánchez-Gómez
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD), Universidad Pablo de Olavide - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Junta de Andalucía, Ctra. Utrera Km. 4, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Alfonso Fernández-Álvarez
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD), Universidad Pablo de Olavide - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Junta de Andalucía, Ctra. Utrera Km. 4, 41013 Seville, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sato M, Kakui Y, Toya M. Tell the Difference Between Mitosis and Meiosis: Interplay Between Chromosomes, Cytoskeleton, and Cell Cycle Regulation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:660322. [PMID: 33898463 PMCID: PMC8060462 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.660322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is a specialized style of cell division conserved in eukaryotes, particularly designed for the production of gametes. A huge number of studies to date have demonstrated how chromosomes behave and how meiotic events are controlled. Yeast substantially contributed to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of meiosis in the past decades. Recently, evidence began to accumulate to draw a perspective landscape showing that chromosomes and microtubules are mutually influenced: microtubules regulate chromosomes, whereas chromosomes also regulate microtubule behaviors. Here we focus on lessons from recent advancement in genetical and cytological studies of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, revealing how chromosomes, cytoskeleton, and cell cycle progression are organized and particularly how these are differentiated in mitosis and meiosis. These studies illuminate that meiosis is strategically designed to fulfill two missions: faithful segregation of genetic materials and production of genetic diversity in descendants through elaboration by meiosis-specific factors in collaboration with general factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masamitsu Sato
- Laboratory of Cytoskeletal Logistics, Center for Advanced Biomedical Sciences (TWIns), Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute for Advanced Research of Biosystem Dynamics, Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute for Medical-Oriented Structural Biology, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasutaka Kakui
- Laboratory of Cytoskeletal Logistics, Center for Advanced Biomedical Sciences (TWIns), Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.,Waseda Institute for Advanced Study, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mika Toya
- Laboratory of Cytoskeletal Logistics, Center for Advanced Biomedical Sciences (TWIns), Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute for Advanced Research of Biosystem Dynamics, Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.,Major in Bioscience, Global Center for Science and Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jaspersen SL. Anatomy of the fungal microtubule organizing center, the spindle pole body. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2020; 66:22-31. [PMID: 33113389 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The fungal kingdom is large and diverse, representing extremes of ecology, life cycles and morphology. At a cellular level, the diversity among fungi is particularly apparent at the spindle pole body (SPB). This nuclear envelope embedded structure, which is essential for microtubule nucleation, shows dramatically different morphologies between different fungi. However, despite phenotypic diversity, many SPB components are conserved, suggesting commonalities in structure, function and duplication. Here, I review the organization of the most well-studied SPBs and describe how advances in genomics, genetics and cell biology have accelerated knowledge of SPB architecture in other fungi, providing insights into microtubule nucleation and other processes conserved across eukaryotes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sue L Jaspersen
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, United States; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Special issue on "recent advances in meiosis from DNA replication to chromosome segregation". Chromosoma 2020; 128:177-180. [PMID: 31616989 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-019-00726-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Meiosis is the special division that produces haploid gametes, such as sperm and eggs. It involves a complex series of events that integrate large structural changes at the chromosome scale with fine regulation of recombination events in localized regions. To evaluate the complexity of these processes, the meiosis field covers a variety of disciplines and model organisms, making it an exciting and rapidly changing area of research. The field as a whole highlights both the conserved aspects of meiosis, as well as the marked diversity of the means taken to ensure that, ultimately, gametes will contain a balanced number of chromosomes and genetic diversity will have been produced. Studying meiosis is also critically important for the improvement of our human condition as errors of meiosis are a leading cause of infertility, miscarriage, and developmental disabilities. Finally, the complex chromosome behavior of meiosis is a genetically tractable paradigm, the study of which improves our understanding of many fundamental cellular processes including DNA repair, genome stability, cancer etiology, chromatin structure, and chromosome dynamics.This special issue on meiosis contains twenty-two papers, of which five are in-depth reviews that complement and put in context the experimental data presented in the seventeen original research articles. The content of this issue illustrates the diversity of topics covered by researchers in the field, ranging from the effects of environment and external factors on the success of meiosis, the cell cycle actors that control the meiotic divisions, the mechanism of chromosome segregation, and the mechanisms that ensure proper homologous chromosome pairing, recombination, and synapsis. Multiple organisms are covered. Also evident is the fact that more and more studies use multicellular organisms as a model system, in large part due to the increased availability of tools that were previously restricted to studies in budding and fission yeasts.
Collapse
|