Preprint Highlight: Lateral and longitudinal compaction of PRC1 overlap zones drives stabilization of interzonal microtubules

Midzone microtubules, which support chromosome segregation during anaphase and define the cell division plane, transition from being dynamic in early anaphase to being stable in late anaphase. The mechanism of midzone microtubule stabilization is not well understood.

Using photoactivation experiments, the authors find reduced turnover and sliding of midzone microtubules during late anaphase, after 50% cytokinetic furrow ingression. This stabilization depends on the microtubule cross-linker PRC1 and the kinesin Kif4a. Lateral compaction of microtubules by the cytokinetic furrow also contributes to stabilization in late anaphase.

This work supports the idea that multiple molecular mechanisms function to stabilize midzone microtubules in late anaphase and that these are essential for successful cell division.