Acentrosomal spindle formation in female meiosis. (360G-Wellcome-081849_Z_06_Z)

Accurate segregation of genetic material is essential for life. A bipolar spindle mediates this process in eukaryotes. Centrosomes, which nucleate microtubules, dictate spindle formation during mitosis. However, the formation of a bipolar spindle takes place without centrosomes in female meiosis in most animals. Despite its importance for human health and understanding basic cellular function, little is known about the molecular mechanism of this spindle formation in female meiosis in vivo. The long-term goal is to understand this acentrosomal spindle formation at the molecular level. I propose to study three key aspects of female meiotic spindle formation, namely, spindle pole organisation, chromosome-mediated spindle assembly and the regulatory network controlling spindle formation by applying genetics-led multidisciplinary approaches. Key goals include determining the assembly mechanism and function of the pole scaffold, establishing the molecular basis of multiple chromosome s organising a single spindle without centrosomes, and systematically identifying new proteins required for spindle formation to uncover their interactions. All together these studies will lead to understanding the regulatory network of acentrosomal spindle formation in female meiosis.