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Cell cycle: new functions for Cdc14 family phosphatases
Susanne Trautmann1, Dannel McCollum
1Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, 377 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
Current Biology : CB
|November 7, 2002
Summary
The Cdc14 phosphatase, initially found in budding yeast for mitotic exit, has homologs across eukaryotes. Recent studies in C. elegans and other species reveal diverse, conserved functions for this protein family.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The Cdc14 phosphatase is crucial for mitotic exit in budding yeast.
- Homologs of Cdc14 are present throughout the eukaryotic kingdom.
- The functional conservation of Cdc14 homologs across different species remained largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of Cdc14 homologs in C. elegans.
- To determine if the functions of Cdc14 are conserved beyond budding yeast.
- To explore potential novel roles of the Cdc14 protein family in eukaryotes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized C. elegans as a model organism.
- Employed genetic and molecular biology techniques to study Cdc14 function.
- Compared findings with existing data from fission yeast and human studies.
Main Results:
- Cdc14 homologs in C. elegans exhibit functions beyond mitotic exit.
- Evidence suggests a broader, conserved role for the Cdc14 protein family in eukaryotes.
- Identified numerous other functions for this protein family in diverse organisms.
Conclusions:
- The Cdc14 phosphatase family plays diverse and conserved roles across eukaryotic organisms.
- Functional conservation of Cdc14 extends beyond its initial role in mitotic exit.
- Further research into Cdc14 homologs may uncover additional conserved cellular processes.