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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Spatiotemporal Analysis of Cytokinetic Events in Fission Yeast
Published on: February 20, 2017
Cell shape and cell division in fission yeast
1Institut Curie - CNRS, UMR144, Paris 75005, France. matthieu.piel@curie.fr
Abstract:
The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe has served as an important model organism for investigating cellular morphogenesis. This unicellular rod-shaped fission yeast grows by tip extension and divides by medial fission. In particular, microtubules appear to define sites of polarized cell growth by delivering cell polarity factors to the cell tips. Microtubules also position the cell nucleus at the cell middle, marking sites of cell division. Here, we review the microtubule-dependent mechanisms that regulate cell shape and cell division in fission yeast.
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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