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The septation apparatus, an autonomous system in budding yeast
Dong-Hyun Roh1, Blair Bowers, Martin Schmidt
1Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
Molecular Biology of the Cell
|August 16, 2002
Summary
The actomyosin ring and chitin synthase II form septa together in yeast cell division. This study shows these components can assemble and function independently of cell division at incorrect locations.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Actomyosin ring contraction and chitin primary septum deposition are crucial, interdependent processes in budding yeast cell division.
- These processes ensure proper cell separation after mitosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interdependence and localization of the actomyosin ring (Myo1p) and chitin primary septum (Chs2p) during yeast cell division.
- To determine if the septation apparatus can function independently of other cell cycle events.
Main Methods:
- Utilized fluorescent protein fusions of Myo1p and Chs2p to visualize their localization and dynamics.
- Examined the septation process in a septin mutant (cdc3) at non-permissive temperatures.
- Observed colocalization of Myo1p, Chs2p, and septins (Cdc12p) at ectopic sites.
Main Results:
- Myo1p and Chs2p localize and function simultaneously at the same cellular sites.
- Chs2p reflects plasma membrane shape changes and is packaged into vesicles for disposal.
- In cdc3 mutants, Myo1p and Chs2p, along with septins, form aberrant septa at ectopic cortical locations, independent of nuclear division.
Conclusions:
- The yeast septation apparatus, comprising septins, the actomyosin contractile ring, and the chitin synthase II system, can operate autonomously at ectopic sites.
- This apparatus functions independently of the cell cycle and can recruit necessary components for secondary septum formation.