Source: Institut Curie
Date: June 19, 2007
Summary:
Division is a key step in the life of cells and involves complex dynamic interplay between a large number of molecular components. Biologists and theoretical physicists have now devised a theoretical model of cell division of great predictive value. They have used microtechnology to study individual cell divisions as their environment changes. Based on observations of a great many cells, the researchers have devised a theoretical model that predicts the orientation of cell division. The model, which is reported in the 24 May 2007 issue of Nature, is based on calculation of the forces exerted on the mitotic spindle within the cell, and describes how cells divide normally and what happens when something goes awry. The model shows that certain configurations of the microenvironment induce asymmetric cell division. Once applied to tissues, the model will enable diagnoses to be refined, by describing the abnormal division of diseased cells.
