Spindle assembly, chromosome segregation, flat spindle, spindle robustness, spindle dynamics, fine analysis of microtubules, centrosomes, kinetochores and interaction of other organelles.
The mitotic spindle is a compact 3D structure assembling in a very short time with many redundant mechanisms which makes it tedious to analyze, especially its subtle changes.
In this assay, cells are observed while compressed between two parallel surfaces, which gives them a flat shape. In this configuration, events such as spindle assembly, spindle robustness, and interactions between organelles can be easily observed. In addition, the mechanical stress imposed on the spindle makes it easier to be destabilized allowing measurements of subtle changes in its mechanisms of assembly.
Effect of confinement in mitosis of HeLa cells [1].