Microtubule dynamics and their control are essential for the normal function and division of
all eukaryotic cells. This plethora of functions is, in large part, supported by dynamic …

Cells come in a variety of shapes that most often underlie their functions. Regulation of cell
morphogenesis implies that there are mechanisms for shape sensing that still remain poorly …

The centrosome is the main organizer of microtubules and as such, its position is a key
determinant of polarized cell functions. As the name says, the default position of the …

Successive cell divisions during embryonic cleavage create increasingly smaller cells, so
intracellular structures must adapt accordingly. Mitotic spindle size correlates with cell size …

Many studies of cytoplasm rheology have focused on small components in the
submicrometer scale. However, the cytoplasm also baths large organelles like nuclei …

Cytoplasm is a gel-like crowded environment composed of various macromolecules,
organelles, cytoskeletal networks, and cytosol. The structure of the cytoplasm is highly …

How bulk cytoplasm generates forces to separate post-anaphase microtubule (MT) asters in
Xenopus laevis and other large eggs remains unclear. Previous models proposed that …

Hertwig's rule states that cells divide along their longest axis, usually driven by forces acting
on the mitotic spindle. Here, we show that in contrast to this rule, microtubule-based pulling …

Biological systems are highly complex, yet notably ordered structures can emerge. During
syncytial stage development of the Drosophila melanogaster embryo, nuclei synchronously …

The spindle shows remarkable diversity, and changes in an integrated fashion, as cells vary
over evolution. Here, we provide a mechanistic explanation for variations in the first mitotic …