Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
11:19
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Cytokinetic Events in Fission Yeast
Published on: February 20, 2017
Modeling the septation initiation network (SIN) in fission yeast cells
Attila Csikász-Nagy1, Orsolya Kapuy, Béla Gyorffy
1Materials Structure and Modeling Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, 1111, Budapest, Szt. Gellért tér 4, Hungary. csikasz@mail.bme.hu
Current Genetics
|March 7, 2007
Summary
Fission yeast cytokinesis relies on the Septation Initiation Network (SIN). A mathematical model explains how SIN ensures single septation per cycle and predicts outcomes in mutant strains, including checkpoint failures.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Systems Biology
Background:
- Cytokinesis ensures cell division through coordinated processes.
- The Septation Initiation Network (SIN) regulates cytokinesis in fission yeast.
- Understanding SIN regulation is key to cell cycle control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model the Septation Initiation Network (SIN) in fission yeast.
- To investigate the regulation of cytokinesis initiation.
- To predict the behavior of wild-type and mutant cells.
Main Methods:
- Developed a simplified mathematical model of the SIN.
- Integrated the SIN model with existing cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) dynamics model.
- Simulated wild-type and mutant SIN component knockout scenarios.
Main Results:
- The model explains single septation per cell cycle via dual Cdk/cyclin regulation of SIN.
- Predicted phenotypes for uncharacterized SIN mutants.
- Demonstrated how a cytokinesis checkpoint can halt the cell cycle upon septation failure.
Conclusions:
- Mathematical modeling provides insights into fission yeast cytokinesis control.
- Dual regulation by Cdk/cyclin ensures precise timing of septation.
- The model highlights the role of checkpoints in cell cycle integrity.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Septins
Septins are protein filaments forming the cytoskeleton along with the microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and other accessory proteins. In 1971 while studying the cell division cycle in mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae Harwell et al. first identified the septin-related genes playing a crucial role in yeast cytokinesis. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that these proteins localize at the budding neck as rings. These ring-like proteins were then named Septins by John Pringle, and...
01:02Role of Septins
Septins are the recently discovered fourth major protein component of the cytoskeleton, along with microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. These proteins can associate with other cytoskeletal filaments and carry out varied roles or can be free-floating in the cytoplasm.
Cellular Functions of Septins
Recent studies have revealed the multifaceted roles of septins in various cellular processes such as cytokinesis, ciliogenesis, and neurogenesis. Septins act as scaffolds and...
Cellular Functions of Septins
Recent studies have revealed the multifaceted roles of septins in various cellular processes such as cytokinesis, ciliogenesis, and neurogenesis. Septins act as scaffolds and...
01:28Yeast Signaling
Yeasts are single-celled organisms, but unlike bacteria, they are eukaryotes (cells with a nucleus). Cell signaling in yeast is similar to signaling in other eukaryotic cells. A ligand, such as a protein or a small molecule released from a yeast cell, attaches to a receptor on the cell surface. The binding stimulates second-messenger kinases to activate or inactivate transcription factors that further regulate gene expression. Many of the yeast intracellular signaling cascades have similar...
01:31Mechanism of Lamellipodia Formation
Cells migrating in response to external stimuli form lamellipodia, which are thin membrane protrusions supported by a mesh of linked, branched, or unbranched actin filaments. These actin filaments interact with myosin motor proteins, creating the dynamic actomyosin complex within the cytoskeleton. Contractility, or the ability to generate contractile stress, is inherent to the actomyosin complex. It helps cells detect the stiffness of the surrounding ECM and exert contractile force for...
02:15The Contractile Ring
Contractile rings are composed of microfilaments and are responsible for separating the daughter cells during cytokinesis. Contractile ring assembly proceeds along with other cell cycle events; however, very few mechanistic details are known about the timing and coordination of the contractile rings with the cell cycle.
A small GTPase, RhoA, controls the function and assembly of the contractile ring. RhoA belongs to the Ras superfamily of proteins. The activation of formins by RhoA promotes...
A small GTPase, RhoA, controls the function and assembly of the contractile ring. RhoA belongs to the Ras superfamily of proteins. The activation of formins by RhoA promotes...
02:13Determining the Plane of Cell Division
Positioning the cell division plane is a critical step during development and cell differentiation, particularly during mitosis when the plane is essential for determining the size of the two daughter cells. The cell division plane is perpendicular to the plane of chromosome segregation, but different types of organisms have different cell division mechanisms to suit their morphology and function.
Animal cells
In animal cells, the cleavage furrow forms along the plane of cell division starting...
Animal cells
In animal cells, the cleavage furrow forms along the plane of cell division starting...