A mechanomolecular model for the movement of chromosomes during mitosis driven by a minimal kinetochore bicyclic cascade.

During mitosis chromosomes use a complex network of dynamic microtubules to find the cell equator in preparation for division signals. The roles of cellular chemical signals in mechanisms driving mitotic chromosomal movements are not well understood. In this paper we propose a mathematical model of this process which incorporates a molecular scale model of kinetochore-microtubule interactions into a negative feedback loop between spindle forces and local kinetochore biochemical reactions. This system allows kinetochore biochemical reactions to control and coordinate chromosome movement thus providing a direct connection between mechanical signals and mitosis chemical species. Our feedback control model can recreate chromosome movement from prometaphase to anaphase in good agreement with experimental data. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.