Mary Williard Elting
mitotic spindle, mammalian mitosis, fission yeast mitosis, cellular biophysics, laser ablation of live cells, live cell confocal imaging, cell biology, biophysics, microtubules, cytoskeleton
Works (44)
Updated: December 6th, 2024 10:15
2023 journal article
A unified model for the dynamics of ATP-independent ultrafast contraction
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 120(25).
author keywords: ultrafast motion; calcium-powered dynamics; protist physiology; mechanochemical modeling; synthetic biology
MeSH headings : Actin Cytoskeleton; Actomyosin; Artificial Cells; Biomedical Engineering; Adenosine Triphosphate
open access via doi.org (publisher)
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: August 14, 2023
2023 article
Mitosis: Augmin-based bridges keep kinetochores in line
Begley, M. A., & Elting, M. W. (2023, February 6). CURRENT BIOLOGY, Vol. 33, pp. R118–R121.
MeSH headings : Kinetochores; Microtubules / genetics; Mitosis; Spindle Apparatus / genetics; Chromosome Segregation
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
3. Good Health and Well-being
(Web of Science)
Sources: Web Of Science, NC State University Libraries, ORCID
Added: July 24, 2023
2022 article
A unified model for the dynamics of ATP-independent ultrafast contraction
Floyd, C., Molines, A., Lei, X., Honts, J. E., Chang, F., Elting, M. W., … Bhamla, S. (2022, October 16). [], Vol. 10.
TL;DR:
This study image and quantitatively analyze the contractile kinematics observed in two ciliated protists and proposes a minimal mathematical model that reproduces the observations as well as those published previously, and reveals three distinct dynamic regimes.
(via Semantic Scholar)
Source: ORCID
Added: February 22, 2024
2022 journal article
Laser ablation reveals the impact of Cdc15p on the stiffness of the contractile ring
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL, 33(6).
MeSH headings : Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism; Cytokinesis; Laser Therapy; Schizosaccharomyces / metabolism; Schizosaccharomyces pombe Proteins / metabolism
TL;DR:
This work shows that the severed constricting contractile ring recoils to a finite point leaving a gap that can heal if less than ∼1 µm, and proposes that Cdc15p impacts the stiffness of the contractiles ring more than the viscous drag.
(via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Web Of Science, NC State University Libraries
Added: June 6, 2022
2022 article
Pushing the envelope: force balance in fission yeast closed mitosis
Begley, M. A., Medina, C. P., Zareiesfandabadi, P., Rapp, M. B., & Elting, M. W. (2022, December 29). [], Vol. 12.
TL;DR:
A quantitative model is used to interpret how the behaviors of spindles and nuclei in live mitotic fission yeast following laser ablation directly demonstrate that fission yeast spindles and nuclear envelopes are a mechanical pair that can each shape the other’s morphology.
(via Semantic Scholar)
Source: ORCID
Added: February 22, 2024
2021 article
Automated tracking of S. pombe spindle elongation dynamics
Uzsoy, A. S. M., Zareiesfandabadi, P., Jennings, J., Kemper, A. F., & Elting, M. W. (2021, July 8). JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY, Vol. 7.
author keywords: automation; cell division; fission yeast; fluorescence imaging; image analysis; live-cell imaging; mitotic spindle
MeSH headings : Microscopy; Microtubules / chemistry; Mitosis; Schizosaccharomyces; Spindle Apparatus
TL;DR:
An ImageJ plugin is developed that can automatically track S. pombe spindle length over time and replace manual or semi-automated tracking of spindle elongation dynamics, which will allow automatic analysis of large microscopy data sets and facilitate screening for effects of cell biological perturbations on mitotic progression.
(via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
3. Good Health and Well-being
(Web of Science)
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: August 7, 2021
2021 article
Cytoskeletal biophysics: Passive crosslinker adapts to keep microtubule bundles on track
Elting, M. W. (2021, June 21). CURRENT BIOLOGY, Vol. 31, pp. R793–R796.
MeSH headings : Biophysics; Microtubules; Spindle Apparatus
TL;DR:
This new study demonstrates in vitro how the mitotic crosslinker PRC1 can tune its behavior to regulate the speed of microtubule sliding.
(via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
3. Good Health and Well-being
(Web of Science)
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: July 6, 2021
2021 journal article
K-fiber bundles in the mitotic spindle are mechanically reinforced by Kif15
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL, 32(22).
Ed(s): C. Walczak
MeSH headings : Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics; Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism; Cell Line; Humans; Kidney / cytology; Kinesins / antagonists & inhibitors; Kinesins / genetics; Kinesins / metabolism; Kinetochores; Microtubules / metabolism; Spindle Apparatus / physiology; Time-Lapse Imaging
TL;DR:
The data suggest that forces holding k-fibers together are of similar magnitude to other spindle forces, and that Kif15, acting as a microtubule crosslinker, helps fortify and repair k-Fibers.
(via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
3. Good Health and Well-being
(Web of Science)
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 21, 2022
2021 journal article
Viscoelastic Relaxation of the Nuclear Envelope Does Not Cause the Collapse of the Spindle After Ablation in S. pombe
Journal of Undergraduate Research in Physics. https://spsnational.org/file/397396/download?token=AYSdz03A#page=60
Source: ORCID
Added: February 22, 2024
2021 journal article
p Force by minus-end motors Dhc1 and Klp2 collapses the S. pombe spindle after laser ablation
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL, 121(2), 263–276.
MeSH headings : Dyneins / metabolism; Kinesins / genetics; Laser Therapy; Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism; Microtubules / metabolism; Mitosis; Schizosaccharomyces / genetics; Schizosaccharomyces pombe Proteins / metabolism; Spindle Apparatus / metabolism
TL;DR:
This work finds that previously hypothesized viscoelastic relaxation of the nucleus cannot explain spindle shortening in response to laser ablation and finds that spindle pole bodies collapse toward each other after ablation, but spindle geometry is often rescued, allowing spindles to resume elongation.
(via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
3. Good Health and Well-being
(Web of Science)
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 7, 2022
2020 article
K-fiber bundles in the mitotic spindle are mechanically reinforced by Kif15
Begley, M. A., Solon, A. L., Davis, E. M., Sherrill, M. G., Ohi, R., & Elting, M. W. (2020, May 20). [], Vol. 5.
Source: ORCID
Added: February 22, 2024
2020 journal article
TL;DR:
Two knitting patterns for scarves are presented to illustrate how ripples can arise through adding stitches to the material as it is created.
(via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
14. Life Below Water
(OpenAlex)
Sources: ORCID, Crossref
Added: May 16, 2020
2020 article
The collapse of the spindle following ablation in S. pombe is mediated by microtubules and the motor protein dynein
Zareiesfandabadi, P., & Elting, M. W. (2020, October 21). [], Vol. 10.
TL;DR:
It is found that previously hypothesized viscoelastic relaxation of the nucleus cannot fully explain spindle shortening in response to laser ablation, and a role for dynein is suggested in redundantly supporting force balance and bipolarity in the S. pombe spindle.
(via Semantic Scholar)
Source: ORCID
Added: February 22, 2024
2018 journal article
The Spindle: Integrating Architecture and Mechanics across Scales
Trends in Cell Biology, 28(11), 896–910.
Contributors: n , P. Suresh * & S. Dumont *
MeSH headings : Animals; Chromosomes / metabolism; Humans; Mitosis; Spindle Apparatus / chemistry; Spindle Apparatus / metabolism
TL;DR:
The molecular force generators of the spindle are introduced, and it is discussed how they organize microtubules into diverse architectural modules and give rise to the emergent mechanics of the mammalian spindle.
(via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
3. Good Health and Well-being
(Web of Science)
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
(OpenAlex)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 24, 2020
2017 journal article
Local Load-Bearing by Kinetochore-Fibers in the Mammalian Spindle Provides Mechanical Isolation and Redundancy
Biophysical Journal, 112(3), 432a.
TL;DR:
The data indicate that the architecture of the dynamic mammalian spindle provides k-fibers with mechanical isolation and load-bearing redundancy well-suited for robust chromosome segregation.
(via Semantic Scholar)
Source: ORCID
Added: February 22, 2024
2017 journal article
Mapping Load-Bearing in the Mammalian Spindle Reveals Local Kinetochore Fiber Anchorage that Provides Mechanical Isolation and Redundancy
Current Biology, 27(14), 2112–2122.e5.
Contributors: * , M. Prakash *, D. Udy * & S. Dumont *
MeSH headings : Animals; Cell Line; Kinetics; Kinetochores / physiology; Potoroidae; Spindle Apparatus / physiology
TL;DR:
The data and model suggest that NuMA-mediated crosslinks locally bear load, providing mechanical isolation and redundancy while allowing spindle fluidity and well suited to support robust chromosome segregation.
(via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 24, 2020
2017 article
Mapping load-bearing in the mammalian spindle reveals local kinetochore-fiber anchorage that provides mechanical isolation and redundancy
Elting, M. W., Prakash, M., Udy, D. B., & Dumont, S. (2017, January). (Vol. 1). Vol. 1.
TL;DR:
This work maps load-bearing across the mammalian spindle in space-time, and dissects local anchorage mechanics and mechanism, suggesting widespread NuMA-mediated crosslinks locally bear load, providing mechanical isolation and redundancy while allowing spindle fluidity.
(via Semantic Scholar)
Source: ORCID
Added: February 22, 2024
2017 journal article
The chromokinesin Klp3a and microtubules facilitate acentric chromosome segregation
The Journal of Cell Biology, 216(6), 1597–1608.
Contributors: T. Karg *, * , H. Vicars *, S. Dumont * & W. Sullivan *
MeSH headings : Animals; Animals, Genetically Modified; Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism; Chromosome Segregation; Chromosomes, Insect; Drosophila Proteins / genetics; Drosophila Proteins / metabolism; Drosophila melanogaster / genetics; Drosophila melanogaster / growth & development; Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism; Kinesins / genetics; Kinesins / metabolism; Microscopy, Confocal; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Microscopy, Video; Microtubules / metabolism; Mutation; Spindle Apparatus / metabolism; Telomere / metabolism; Time Factors
TL;DR:
It is demonstrated that microtubules play a key role in poleward movement of acentric chromosome fragments generated in Drosophila melanogaster neuroblasts and that successful acentric segregation requires the chromokinesin Klp3a.
(via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 24, 2020
2016 journal article
Local Anchorage of Kinetochore-Fibers to the Mammalian Spindle Provides Mechanical Isolation and Load-Bearing Redundancy
Biophysical Journal, 110(3), 355a.
TL;DR:
The data indicate that NuMA-mediated microtubule crosslinking in the spindle body allows for local anchorage and isolation of k-fibers, and mechanical redundancy in their connections to theSpindle body, well-suited to ensure robust k-Fiber load-bearing and chromosome segregation despite dynamic spindle forces and structures.
(via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 24, 2020
2014 journal article
Force on spindle microtubule minus ends moves chromosomes
The Journal of Cell Biology, 206(2), 245–256.
Contributors: * , C. Hueschen *, D. Udy * & S. Dumont *
MeSH headings : Animals; Biological Transport; Cell Line; Chromosomes / metabolism; Dynactin Complex; Dyneins / metabolism; Dyneins / physiology; Kinetochores; Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism; Microtubule-Associated Proteins / physiology; Microtubules / metabolism; Microtubules / physiology; Microtubules / ultrastructure; Nuclear Matrix-Associated Proteins / metabolism; Nuclear Matrix-Associated Proteins / physiology; Potoroidae; Spindle Apparatus / metabolism; Spindle Apparatus / physiology; Spindle Apparatus / ultrastructure
TL;DR:
After the loss of continuous spindle microtubule attachment to the spindle pole, a previously undescribed mechanism of chromosome transport, powered by dynein pulling on minus ends of severed microtubules, repairs spindle architecture and integrity.
(via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 24, 2020
2014 journal article
Probing Forces on Newly Generated Spindle Microtubule Minus-Ends
Biophysical Journal, 106(2), 9a–10a.
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 24, 2020
2014 journal article
Probing Forces on Newly Generated Spindle Microtubule Minus-Ends
Biophysical Journal, 106(2), 787a.
TL;DR:
Laser ablation is used to sever kinetochore-fiber microtubules in mammalian cells and probe how the cell detects and organizes newly generated microtubule minus-ends, indicating that pole-focusing forces are well-suited to robustly maintain spindle structural integrity despite rapid turnover of spindle components and mechanical challenges.
(via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 24, 2020
2013 journal article
Single-molecule fluorescence imaging of processive myosin with enhanced background suppression using linear zero-mode waveguides (ZMWs) and convex lens induced confinement (CLIC)
Optics Express, 21(1), 1189–1202.
Contributors: * , S. Leslie *, L. Churchman *, J. Korlach *, C. McFaul*, J. Leith*, M. Levene*, A. Cohen *, J. Spudich *
TL;DR:
Two new single-molecule fluorescence microscopy techniques are demonstrated and applied, linear zero-mode waveguides (ZMWs) and convex lens induced confinement (CLIC), for imaging the processive motion of molecular motors myosin V and VI along actin filaments, which will enable new biophysical measurements of a wide range of processive molecular motors that move along filamentous tracks.
(via Semantic Scholar)
Source: ORCID
Added: February 22, 2024
2012 journal article
Future Challenges in Single-Molecule Fluorescence and Laser Trap Approaches to Studies of Molecular Motors
Developmental Cell, 23(6), 1084–1091.
Contributors: * & J. Spudich *
MeSH headings : Cell Movement; Fluorescence; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Molecular Motor Proteins / chemistry; Molecular Motor Proteins / metabolism; Optical Tweezers
TL;DR:
This work describes two areas where it expects to see exciting developments in the near future: first, characterizing the coupling of force production to chemical and mechanical changes in motors, and second, understanding how multiple motors work together in the environment of the cell.
(via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 24, 2020
2012 journal article
Single Molecule Studies of Recombinant Human α- and β-Cardiac Myosin to Elucidate Molecular Mechanism of Familial Hypertrophic and Dilated Cardiomyopathies
Biophysical Journal, 102(3), 613a–614a.
TL;DR:
The first single molecule studies of recombinant human cardiac myosin are demonstrated and a modern version optical trap is built that can resolve the ∼10 nm stroke size and ∼10 ms strongly bound state of cardiac β-S1 at high [ATP].
(via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: August 28, 2020
2011 journal article
Detailed Tuning of Structure and Intramolecular Communication Are Dispensable for Processive Motion of Myosin VI
Biophysical Journal, 100(2), 430–439.
Contributors: * , Z. Bryant *, J. Liao * & J. Spudich *
MeSH headings : Actins / chemistry; Actins / metabolism; Adenosine Triphosphatases / chemistry; Adenosine Triphosphatases / metabolism; Animals; Cell Line; Kinetics; Myosin Heavy Chains / chemistry; Myosin Heavy Chains / isolation & purification; Myosin Heavy Chains / metabolism; Myosins / chemistry; Myosins / metabolism; Protein Binding; Protein Structure, Tertiary; Spodoptera / cytology
TL;DR:
It is concluded that detailed tuning of structure and intramolecular communication are dispensable for processive motion, and it is shown theoretically that one proposed type of nucleotide gating can be detrimental rather than beneficial for myosin processivity.
(via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 24, 2020
2010 journal article
Probing Myosin-VI Processivity using Artificial Lever Arms
Biophysical Journal, 98(3), 723a.
TL;DR:
In new chimeric constructs, it is shown that limited processivity is possible even in the absence of both calmodulin-binding regions, and the importance of intra-head coordination for processive motion in myosin VI is examined by comparing the predictions of simple kinetic models to measurements of run length distributions for chimeric myosins and for control contructs.
(via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 24, 2020
2009 journal article
Engineered Myosin VI Motors Reveal Minimal Structural Determinants of Directionality and Processivity
Journal of Molecular Biology, 392(4), 862–867.
Contributors: J. Liao *, * , S. Delp *, J. Spudich * & Z. Bryant *
author keywords: molecular motor; protein engineering; swinging crossbridge; molecular dynamics; single molecule
MeSH headings : Amino Acid Motifs; Amino Acid Sequence; Biomechanical Phenomena; Computer Simulation; Kinetics; Models, Molecular; Molecular Motor Proteins / chemical synthesis; Molecular Motor Proteins / chemistry; Molecular Motor Proteins / metabolism; Molecular Motor Proteins / physiology; Molecular Sequence Data; Movement / physiology; Myosin Heavy Chains / chemical synthesis; Myosin Heavy Chains / chemistry; Myosin Heavy Chains / genetics; Myosin Heavy Chains / metabolism; Protein Engineering; Protein Multimerization / physiology; Protein Structure, Tertiary / physiology; Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
TL;DR:
E engineered M6 motors are used to test and refine the "redirected power stroke" model for (-) end directionality and to explore poorly understood structural requirements for processive stepping, and an 18-residue alpha-helical insert is found to reverse the directionality of the motor.
(via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 24, 2020
2007 journal article
Rapid membrane fusion of individual virus particles with supported lipid bilayers
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL, 93(2), 526–538.
Contributors: L. Wessels n, n , D. Scimeca n & K. Weninger n
MeSH headings : Animals; Biophysical Phenomena; Biophysics; Chick Embryo; Cricetinae; Fluorescent Dyes; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; In Vitro Techniques; Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / physiology; Lipid Bilayers / chemistry; Membrane Fusion / physiology; Models, Biological; Rhodamines; Sindbis Virus / physiology; Virion / physiology
TL;DR:
A fluorescence assay using single particle tracking is introduced to observe lipid mixing between individual virus particles (influenza or Sindbis) and supported lipid bilayers to highlight the complex interaction between lipids, virus proteins, and buffer conditions in membrane fusion.
(via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
3. Good Health and Well-being
(Web of Science)
Sources: ORCID, Web Of Science, NC State University Libraries
Added: August 6, 2018
Employment
Updated: February 22nd, 2024 08:22
2023 - present
North Carolina State University Raleigh, US
Associate Professor
Physics
2017 - 2023
North Carolina State University Raleigh, US
Assistant Professor
Physics
2012 - 2017
University of California, San Francisco San Francisco, US
Postdoc, Dumont Lab
Cell and Tissue Biology
Education
Updated: September 11th, 2021 09:47
2006 - 2012
Stanford University Stanford, CA, US
Ph.D.
Applied Physics
2006 - 2009
Stanford University Stanford, California, US
M.S.
Applied Physics
2003 - 2006
North Carolina State University Raleigh, North Carolina, US
B.S.
Physics
Funding History
Funding history based on the linked ORCID record. Updated: October 16th, 2024 15:05
grant
June 1, 2023 - May 31, 2027
Collaborative Research: Understanding and controlling force generation by a centrin-based contractile system
Directorate for Biological Sciences
grant
June 15, 2022 - May 31, 2026
Collaborative Research: MODULUS: Nuclear envelope shape change coordination with chromosome segregation in mitosis in fission yeast
Directorate for Biological Sciences
grant
September 1, 2020 - August 31, 2025
Microtubule bundles in the mitotic spindle: probing how mechanical and functional robustness emerge from molecular architecture
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
grant
September 1, 2019 - August 31, 2023
Collaborative Research: CYBORG cells: Modular integration of synthetic organelles into living cells
Directorate for Biological Sciences
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