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The trouble with tribbles
1B2-152, Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA. lajohnst@fred.fhcrc.org
Current Biology : CB
|July 19, 2000
Abstract:
Cell division and cell movements must be coordinated during development. A novel inhibitor of cell division, Tribbles, has been identified that blocks mitosis at a critical point in Drosophila morphogenesis. The data support a role for Tribbles in promoting proteolytic degradation of String/Cdc25, a key regulator of mitosis.
Insights
A new cell division inhibitor, Tribbles, stops mitosis during fruit fly development. Tribbles promotes the breakdown of String/Cdc25, a key cell cycle regulator.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Genetics
Background:
- Cell division and cell movement are crucial for embryonic development.
- Proper regulation of mitosis is essential for tissue formation and organismal integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel regulators of cell division during development.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which Tribbles affects mitosis in Drosophila.
Main Methods:
- Genetic screening in Drosophila melanogaster to identify cell division inhibitors.
- Mitotic assays to assess the effect of Tribbles on cell cycle progression.
- Biochemical experiments to determine the molecular targets of Tribbles.
Main Results:
- Identification of Tribbles as a novel inhibitor of cell division.
- Tribbles blocks mitosis at a specific stage during Drosophila morphogenesis.
- Data suggest Tribbles promotes the proteolytic degradation of String/Cdc25, a key mitotic regulator.
Conclusions:
- Tribbles plays a critical role in coordinating cell division with morphogenesis.
- The mechanism involves the regulation of String/Cdc25 stability.
- Tribbles represents a potential target for understanding developmental cell cycle control.