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| Mapping Cortical Activities during Cytokinesis with Localized Drug Release |
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| C.B. O'Connell, A.K. Warner and Y.-l. Wang (2001) |
| Curr. Biol. 11:702-707. |
| To map the contributions of cortical contractility/integrity in different regions to cytokinesis, we release actin drugs in a highly localized manner at either the equator or the pole. Drug distribution is confined by using a release needle in conjunction with a suction pipette placed a few microns away from each other. |
| Local Disruption of Equatorial Cortex Facilitates Cytokinesis |
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Size = 256 x 256 pixels.| Local release of cytochalasin D near the equator of dividing NRK cells not only allows cytokinesis to proceed but also appears to facilitate the process, suggesting that the integrity/contractility of equatorial cortex may not be essential for the cleavage of these adherent epithelial cells. |
| Local Disruption of Polar Cortex Inhibits Cytokinesis |
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Size = 256 x 256 pixels.| Local release of cytochalasin D near the spindle pole of dividing NRK cells inhibits cytokinesis, suggesting that the integrity/contractility of polar cortex is essential. Combined with the results with equatorial release, these observations suggest that cytokinesis may be effected by global cortical contractility and equatorial cortical disintegration. This differs substantially from the conventional purse string model. |
| Local Stabilization of Equatorial Cortex Inhibits Cytokinesis |
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Size = 256 x 256 pixels.| Local release of jasplakinolide, a drug that stabilizes actin filaments, near the equator of dividing NRK cells inhibits cytokinesis, consistent with the idea that disintegration of the equatorial cortex is essential. |