Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Spatiotemporal Analysis of Cytokinetic Events in Fission Yeast
Published on: February 20, 2017
The spindle pole body plays a key role in controlling mitotic commitment in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces
1CRUK (Cancer Research UK) Cell Division Laboratory, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK. ihagan@picr.man.ac.uk
Abstract:
Commitment to mitosis is regulated by a conserved protein kinase complex called MPF (mitosis-promoting factor). MPF activation triggers a positive-feedback loop that further promotes the activity of its activating phosphatase Cdc25 and is assumed to down-regulate the MPF-inhibitory kinase Wee1. Four protein kinases contribute to this amplification loop: MPF itself, Polo kinase, MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and Greatwall kinase. The fission yeast SPB (spindle pole body) component Cut12 plays a critical role in modulating mitotic commitment. In this review, I discuss the relationship between Cut12 and the fission yeast Polo kinase Plo1 in mitotic control. These results indicate that commitment to mitosis is co-ordinated by control networks on the spindle pole. I then describe how the Cut12/Plo1 control network links growth control signalling from TOR (target of rapamycin) and MAPK networks to the activation of MPF to regulate the timing of cell division.
Insights
Mitotic commitment relies on spindle pole control networks. The Cut12/Plo1 network links growth signals to MPF activation, regulating cell division timing.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Molecular biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mitosis commitment is regulated by the mitosis-promoting factor (MPF) kinase complex.
- MPF activation involves a positive-feedback loop with Cdc25 phosphatase and Wee1 kinase.
- Key kinases in this loop include MPF, Polo kinase, MAPK, and Greatwall kinase.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the fission yeast spindle pole body component Cut12 in mitotic control.
- To discuss the relationship between Cut12 and Polo kinase (Plo1) in regulating mitotic commitment.
- To explore how the Cut12/Plo1 network integrates growth signaling pathways with MPF activation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on fission yeast genetics and cell cycle regulation.
- Analysis of signaling pathways including TOR and MAPK networks.
- Examination of control networks on the spindle pole.
Main Results:
- Cut12 plays a critical role in modulating mitotic commitment in fission yeast.
- The Cut12/Plo1 control network is essential for coordinating mitotic entry.
- This network links growth control signaling to MPF activation, influencing cell division timing.
Conclusions:
- Mitotic commitment is orchestrated by spindle pole control networks.
- The Cut12/Plo1 interaction is a key node in linking growth signals to cell cycle progression.
- Understanding these networks is crucial for comprehending cell division regulation.
Related Concept Videos
The Mitotic Spindle
The bipolar configuration of the mitotic spindle facilitates chromosomal segregation, preparing the cell for division. One mechanism that ensures bipolar mitotic...
The Mitotic Spindle
The bipolar configuration of the mitotic spindle facilitates chromosomal segregation, preparing the cell for division. One mechanism that ensures bipolar mitotic...
Spindle Assembly
In most cells, centrosomes are the primary microtubule nucleation centers. In the centrosome-mediated pathway, the G2-prophase transition triggers centrosome maturation and increased microtubule nucleation. Progressive nucleation results in a microtubule array...
The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint
Many proteins function together to control the spindle assembly checkpoint. Mutations affecting these proteins may allow cells to proceed into anaphase prematurely, resulting in the...
The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint
Many proteins function together to control the spindle assembly checkpoint. Mutations affecting these proteins may allow cells to proceed into anaphase prematurely, resulting in the...
Forces Acting on Chromosomes
Microtubules and motor proteins exert two types of forces on...

