The central spindle is a microtubule based structure, which forms in between segregating
chromosomes during
anaphase where the two sets of
microtubules, emanating from opposite halves of the
cell, overlap, and become arranged into antiparallel bundles by various microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) and
motor proteins.
The central spindle is widely regarded as a key regulating center for
cytokinesis, recruiting proteins for successful
cleavage furrow positioning and membrane
abscission. For these important roles to be achieved successfully the central spindle has to be carefully regulated to control the size of the overlap region, the alignment of those overlaps and the overall length and symmetry of the structure. Without this regulation, signaling faults in cytokinesis can occur, resulting in unequal
chromosome
A chromosome is a package of DNA containing part or all of the genetic material of an organism. In most chromosomes, the very long thin DNA fibers are coated with nucleosome-forming packaging proteins; in eukaryotic cells, the most import ...
segregation or
polyploid cells, greatly increasing the risk of
cancer
Cancer is a group of diseases involving Cell growth#Disorders, abnormal cell growth with the potential to Invasion (cancer), invade or Metastasis, spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. Po ...
.
References
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Cell anatomy