Kinesin-1 promotes centrosome clustering and nuclear migration in the Drosophila oocyte

Accurate positioning of the nucleus is essential. Microtubules and their associated motors are important players in this process. Although nuclear migration in Drosophila oocytes is controlled by microtubule, a role for microtubule-associated molecular motors in nuclear positioning has yet to be reported. We characterize novel landmarks that allow a precise description of the pre-migratory stages. Using these newly defined stages, we report that, prior to migration, the nucleus moves from the oocyte anterior side toward the center and concomitantly the centrosomes cluster at the posterior of the nucleus. In absence of Kinesin-1, centrosome clustering is impaired and the nucleus fails to position and migrate properly. The maintenance of a high level of Polo-kinase at centrosomes prevents centrosome clustering and impairs nuclear positioning. In absence of Kinesin-1, SPD2 an essential component of the pericentriolar material is increased at the centrosomes, suggesting that Kinesin-1 associated defects result from a failure to reduce centrosome activity. Consistently, depleting centrosomes rescues the nuclear migration defects induced by Kinesin-1 inactivation. Our results suggest that Kinesin-1 controls nuclear migration in the oocyte by modulating centrosome activity. Summary statementIn this study, we identified a crucial role of Kinesin-1 in centrosome clustering required for nuclear positioning and migration in the Drosophila oocyte.