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Related Experiment Videos

Scaffold-mediated symmetry breaking by Cdc42p.

Javier E Irazoqui1, Amy S Gladfelter, Daniel J Lew

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.

Nature Cell Biology
|November 20, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Yeast cells can break symmetry and polarize randomly without landmarks. This process requires the scaffold protein Bem1p and GTP hydrolysis by Cdc42p, indicating a dynamic cycling mechanism for polarization site assembly.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cell polarization typically follows a defined axis, influenced by external cues or internal landmarks.
  • Symmetry breaking allows spontaneous polarization in the absence of external cues.
  • In yeast, landmarks guide polarization, but cells lacking them can still polarize randomly.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanism of spontaneous cell polarization (symmetry breaking) in yeast.
  • To identify key proteins involved in random polarization in the absence of landmarks and cytoskeletal structures.
  • To elucidate the role of Cdc42p GTPase cycling in establishing a polarization site.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic screening of Cdc42p effectors and interacting proteins.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Microscopy to observe cell polarization in yeast mutants.
  • Analysis of GTP hydrolysis dependence for polarization.

    • Main Results:

    • Yeast Cdc42p polarized to a random cortical site even without landmarks, microtubules, or microfilaments.
    • The scaffold protein Bem1p was essential for this landmark-independent symmetry breaking.
    • Polarization required GTP hydrolysis by Cdc42p, suggesting a cycling mechanism.

    Conclusions:

    • Bem1p is a key regulator of symmetry breaking in yeast cell polarization.
    • Cdc42p GTPase cycling, not a simple on/off switch, is crucial for forming polarization sites.
    • Yeast exhibits robust mechanisms for spontaneous polarization, vital for cellular organization.