The nucleus of a cell can pass in front of the centrosome (green) as it migrates downward.

KENGAKU/NAS

The nucleus is not pulled by the centrosome in migrating neurons, according to a new direct imaging study by Hiroki Umeshima, Tomoo Hirano, and Mineko Kengaku (RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan).

Previous studies showing the centrosome leading the nucleus in migrating neurons led to the suggestion that the centrosome provides the motive force for nuclear migration. “Our results clearly argue against this accepted model,” Kengaku says.

The imaging study in mouse cerebellar slices indicates that the nucleus sometimes passes in front of the centrosome—a phenomenon not seen previously in isolated cells. While the nucleus spent part of its time behind the centrosome, it also jumped ahead. Neither the dynamic microtubules enveloping the nucleus or the stable microtubules extending from nucleus to leading edge converged at the...

The Rockefeller University Press
2007
The Rockefeller University Press
2007
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