New Laser Microbeam Experiments on Forces that Move Chromosomes

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The forces required to separate chromosomes at mitotic anaphase are at the focus of this proposal. One phase of the work will determine whether or not astral forces are pulling on the spindle poles in a Basidiomycete, a diatom and mammalian (PtK) cells. These forces, will be made manifest by severing the central spindle at anaphase using a laser microbeam. In the other phase of the work, infrared laser-induced optical force traps will be used to make relative-quantitative measurements of forces operating during anaphase A and B in an Ascomycete. Relative contributions of asters and spindles to the total spindle elongation force will be estimated. The work will go right to the heart of the question about location of forces acting on chromosomes during their movement at mitosis. Furthermore, the development of optical force traps as an analytical tool for studying intracellular motility will be of interest to the entire cell biology community.