Dynamic positioning of the fission yeast cell division plane
- Department of Microbiology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 701 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032
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Edited by Paul Nurse, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY (received for review December 13, 2004)
Abstract
A key question in cytokinesis is how the cell division plane is positioned. Whereas microtubules of the mitotic apparatus specify the division site in animal cells, we show here that the nucleus plays this role in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. By centrifuging cells to move the nucleus, we find that the nucleus (or a nuclear-associated structure) actively influences the position of contractile ring assembly during early mitosis. Displacement of the nucleus during this induction period can lead to formation of multiple rings. The nucleus signals its position in a microtubule-independent manner by emitting the protein mid1p. Furthermore, movement of ring fragments together minimizes formation of multiple division sites. These dynamic mechanisms of ring positioning provide a robust coordination of nuclear and cell division.
Footnotes
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↵ * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: fc99{at}columbia.edu.
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Author contributions: R.R.D. and F.C. designed research; R.R.D. performed research; R.R.D. analyzed data; and R.R.D. and F.C. wrote the paper.
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This paper was submitted directly (Track II) to the PNAS office.
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Abbreviations: MBC, methyl-2-benzimidazole-carbamate; MT, microtubule.
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Freely available online through the PNAS open access option.
- Copyright © 2005, The National Academy of Sciences
