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Control of mitotic exit and cytokinesis by the APC/C

Catherine Lindon1

  • 1Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK. acl34@cam.ac.uk

Biochemical Society Transactions
|May 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

The anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) controls cell division by marking proteins for destruction. This review explores how APC/C targets substrates during mitotic exit in mammalian cells.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis is crucial for cell cycle regulation.
  • The anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) is a key E3 ubiquitin ligase complex.
  • The APC/C's role in mitotic exit, especially in mammalian cells, requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms of APC/C substrate selection during mitotic exit.
  • To examine the evidence for APC/C-mediated proteolysis in executing late mitotic events.
  • To highlight the significance of APC/C function in mammalian cell cycle progression.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on APC/C function and substrate targeting.
  • Analysis of experimental evidence regarding APC/C substrates and their roles.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis in mitosis.

Main Results:

  • The APC/C targets numerous substrates for degradation during late mitosis and cytokinesis.
  • Specific substrate recognition mechanisms are employed by the APC/C.
  • Evidence suggests APC/C activity post-anaphase is essential for proper cell cycle completion.

Conclusions:

  • APC/C-mediated proteolysis is a critical regulator of mitotic exit.
  • Understanding APC/C substrate targeting is vital for comprehending mammalian cell cycle control.
  • Further research is needed to fully define the APC/C's role in ensuring accurate cell division.

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