Microtubule-dependent pushing forces contribute to long-distance aster movement and centration in Xenopus laevis egg extracts

Abstract

In this work, we demonstrate that microtubule asters are able to center in a variety of cell geometries and can do so over long distances, even when the activity of cytoplasmic dynein is inhibited. This observation, along with additional characterizations of aster movements, is consistent with a microtubule-based pushing mechanism.