Prophase-Specific Perinuclear Actin Coordinates Centrosome Separation and Positioning to Ensure Accurate Chromosome Segregation

Summary

Centrosome separation in late G2/ early prophase requires precise spatial coordination that is determined by a balance of forces promoting and antagonizing separation. The major effector of centrosome separation is the kinesin Eg5. However, the identity and regulation of Eg5-antagonizing forces is less well characterized. By manipulating candidate components, we find that centrosome separation is reversible and that separated centrosomes congress toward a central position underneath the flat nucleus. This positioning mechanism requires microtubule polymerization, as well as actin polymerization. We identify perinuclear actin structures that form in late G2/early prophase and interact with microtubules emanating from the centrosomes. Disrupting these structures by breaking the interactions of the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex with perinuclear actin filaments abrogates this centrosome positioning mechanism and causes an increase in subsequent chromosome segregation errors. Our results demonstrate how geometrical cues from the cell nucleus coordinate the orientation of the emanating spindle poles before nuclear envelope breakdown.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

• •

  Dynein and the actin/MT network coordinate centrosome positioning and separation

• •

  The MT/actin network antagonizes Eg5-dependent separation

• •

  LINC-complex-dependent perinuclear actin is critical for this mechanism

• •

  Disrupting the LINC/actin interaction results in centrosome mis-positioning

Abstract

Stiff et al. describe how prophase-specific perinuclear actin in connection with polymerizing microtubules regulates the positioning of centrosome separation before nuclear envelope breakdown. This depends on the interaction of the LINC complex with actin. Breaking this link results in centrosome mispositioning and an increase in sister chromatid segregation errors.