Visualization of fluorescence-tagged proteins in fission yeast: The analysis of mitotic spindle dynamics using GFP-tubulin under the native promoter

Masamitsu Sato*, Mika Toya, Takashi Toda

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

37 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Mitotic spindle microtubules pull chromosomes toward each pole to generate two daughter cells. Proper spindle formation and function are required to prevent tumorigenesis and cell death. The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe has been widely used as a model organism to understand the molecular mechanism of mitosis due to its convenience in genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology. The development of fluorescent protein systems and microscopy enables us to investigate the "true" behavior of proteins in living fission yeast cells using a strain with a fluorescence-tagged gene under its native promoter. In this way the level of expression of tagged protein is similar to the level of wild-type nontagged protein. In this chapter we illustrate standard methods to generate strains expressing fluorescently tagged proteins and to observe them under the microscope. Specifically, we introduce a GFP-tubulin strain to analyze the dynamic behavior of spindle microtubules. Observation of GFP-tubulin under its native promoter has illuminated the process of kinetochore-microtubule attachment process in fission yeast.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMitosis
Subtitle of host publicationMethods and Protocols
EditorsAndrew McAinsh
Pages185-203
Number of pages19
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameMethods in Molecular Biology
Volume545
ISSN (Print)1064-3745

Keywords

  • Fluorescent protein
  • fission yeast
  • fluorescence microscopy
  • gene targeting
  • spindle microtubule
  • tubulin

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Visualization of fluorescence-tagged proteins in fission yeast: The analysis of mitotic spindle dynamics using GFP-tubulin under the native promoter'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this