Poster abstracts
Poster number 28 submitted by David Ignacio
Correlating dynein localization to pronuclear movements in the one-cell C. elegans embryo
David Ignacio (MCDB), Adriana Dawes (Molecular Genetics)
Abstract:
The molecular motor dynein plays an important role in centrosome and spindle positioning across all organisms. During spindle positioning, dynein is anchored to the cortex and undergoes a polarized shift in activity and/or localization to properly segregate genetic material into two daughter cells (di Pietro, 2016). Meanwhile, it remains unclear whether such a shift in dynein dynamics contributes to force-generation during centrosome positioning prior to mitotic spindle formation (Laan, 2012). To address this question, we have quantified dynein localization using time-lapse video microscopy and a CRISPR-tagged fluorescent dynein strain of C. elegans. Furthermore, we have identified several putative regulators of force generation specifically during centrosome positioning in the one-cell embryo. Using RNAi, we will deplete putative force regulatory proteins in the CRISPR-fluorescent dynein strain to test for changes in dynein localization when centrosome positioning behavior is abnormal. We hypothesize that dynein localization and/or activity is correlated to centrosome positioning behaviour. Therefore, centrosome positioning should be affected when dynein localization is impaired. Our analysis will provide evidence of the requirement for dynamic dynein localization for proper centrosome positioning. Further characterization of the signaling and/or regulatory pathway that directs the forces generated during this process will have implications in several cancer and muscular disease contexts.
References:
Di Pietro, F., Echard, A., & Morin, X. (2016). Regulation of mitotic spindle orientation: an integrated view. EMBO Rep, 17(8), 1106-1130. doi:10.15252/embr.201642292
Laan, L., Roth, S., & Dogterom, M. (2012). End-on microtubule-dynein interactions and pulling-based positioning of microtubule organizing centers. Cell Cycle, 11(20), 3750-3757. doi:10.4161/cc.21753
Keywords: centrosome positioning, dynein, CRISPR