Cell shape and cell division in fission yeast

Matthieu Piel1, Phong T Tran

  • 1Institut Curie - CNRS, UMR144, Paris 75005, France. matthieu.piel@curie.fr

Current Biology : CB
|November 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Microtubules guide cell shape and division in fission yeast by delivering key factors to growth sites and positioning the nucleus. This review explores these microtubule-dependent mechanisms in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) is a model organism for studying cell shape and division.
  • Cellular morphogenesis involves tip extension and medial fission in rod-shaped yeast.
  • Microtubules play critical roles in regulating these processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review microtubule-dependent mechanisms controlling cell shape in fission yeast.
  • To summarize how microtubules regulate cell division in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
  • To highlight the role of microtubules in delivering polarity factors and positioning the nucleus.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on fission yeast.
  • Analysis of microtubule dynamics and function.
  • Investigation of cell polarity factors and nuclear positioning.

Main Results:

  • Microtubules deliver cell polarity factors to specific sites for polarized growth.
  • Microtubules are essential for positioning the nucleus at the cell middle, marking division sites.
  • These microtubule-dependent mechanisms are crucial for maintaining cell shape and ensuring proper cell division.

Conclusions:

  • Microtubules are central regulators of cell morphogenesis and division in fission yeast.
  • Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into fundamental cellular processes.
  • Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a valuable system for dissecting microtubule functions.

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