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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.07.21.665896

Dynamin regulates PLK-1 localization and spindle pole assembly during mitosis

Dierlam, C.·Anyanwu, L.·Held, S.·Newman, R. H.·Iyer, J.
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Abstract

Accurate mitosis is essential for genome stability. Although dynamin is best known for its role in vesicular trafficking, its functions during mitosis remain unclear. Here, we identify a mitotic role for the C. elegans dynamin homolog DYN-1 in regulating spindle assembly and the localization of the key mitotic regulators SPD-2 and PLK-1. Depletion of DYN-1 results in enlarged metaphase spindle poles and increased centrosomal SPD-2 and PLK-1 levels. These effects likely depend on DYN-1-mediated vesicular trafficking, as shown by assays with the dyn-1(ky51) allele. Additionally, a subset of DYN-1-depleted embryos exhibit altered PLK-1 localization at the midbody during late mitosis, correlating with midbody assembly defects. Together, these findings establish DYN-1 as a previously unrecognized regulator of spindle pole organization and early midbody assembly. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDynamin is primarily known for its function in endocytosis, but its involvement in mitosis is not well defined. This study shows that dynamin helps organize mitotic spindle poles, ensures proper centrosome localization of SPD-2 and PLK-1, and supports early steps of midbody assembly in C. elegans embryos. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized mitotic role for dynamin and suggest new links between membrane dynamics, spindle organization, and the cytokinetic machinery.

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Dierlam, C., Anyanwu, L., Held, S., Newman, R. H., Iyer, J.. 2025-07-21. Dynamin regulates PLK-1 localization and spindle pole assembly during mitosis. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.07.21.665896

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