Cytokinesis: Robust cell shape regulation. (May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Srivastava, Vasudha; Iglesias, Pablo A.; Robinson, Douglas N.
• Is Part Of: Seminars in cell & developmental biology. Volume 53(2016)
• Page Start: 39
• Page End: 44
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Subjects: MPA micropipette aspiration -- CPC chromosome passenger complex -- SIN septation initiation network; Cytokinesis -- Feedback -- Cell mechanics -- Actomyosin contractility -- Control system; Cytology -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; 571.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.10.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1084-9521

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Cytokinesis progression is guided by a combination of biochemical and mechanical cues. Multiple feedback loops regulate the position and timing of cytokinesis. Myosin II and actin crosslinkers collectively define cleavage furrow contractility. Abstract: Cytokinesis, the final step of cell division, is a great example of robust cell shape regulation. A wide variety of cells ranging from the unicellular Dictyostelium to human cells in tissues proceed through highly similar, stereotypical cell shape changes during cell division. Typically, cells first round up forming a cleavage furrow in the middle, which constricts resulting in the formation of two daughter cells. Tight control of cytokinesis is essential for proper segregation of genetic and cellular materials, and its failure is deleterious to cell viability. Thus, biological systems have developed elaborate mechanisms to ensure high fidelity of cytokinesis, including the existence of multiple biochemical and mechanical pathways regulated through feedback. In this review, we focus on the built-in redundancy of the cytoskeletal machinery that allows cells to divide successfully in a variety of biological and mechanical contexts. Using Dictyostelium cytokinesis as an example, we demonstrate that the crosstalk between biochemical and mechanical signaling through feedback ensures correct assembly and function of the cell division machinery.