Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Studying Cell Cycle-regulated Gene Expression by Two Complementary Cell Synchronization Protocols
Published on: June 6, 2017
Mitotic cell-cycle progression is regulated by CPEB1 and CPEB4-dependent translational control
Isabel Novoa1, Javier Gallego, Pedro G Ferreira
1Gene Regulation Program, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), 08003 Barcelona, Spain. inovoa@ir.vhebron.net
Cytoplasmic polyadenylation and CPEB proteins regulate gene expression by controlling mRNA poly(A) tail length. This mechanism is crucial for cell proliferation and entry into mitosis in dividing cells.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Meiotic and early embryonic cell divisions rely on translational regulation of maternal mRNAs due to lack of transcription.
- Cytoplasmic-polyadenylation-element-binding protein (CPEB) controls mRNA translation via poly(A) tail length modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if CPEB-mediated translational regulation impacts mitotic cell cycle divisions.
- To determine the role of poly(A) tail length changes in cell proliferation and mitosis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of CPEB function in mitotically dividing cells.
- Investigating the impact of CPEB1 and CPEB4 on cell proliferation and cell cycle progression.
Main Results:
- CPEB-mediated post-transcriptional regulation via poly(A) tail length changes is essential for cell proliferation.
- This translational control is specifically required for the entry into M phase of mitosis.
- CPEB1 and CPEB4 were identified as key mediators of this process.
Conclusions:
- Poly(A) tail length regulation by CPEB is a general mechanism controlling mitosis.
- This mechanism compensates for lack of transcription not only in specialized divisions but also in general cell proliferation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
The Cell Cycle Control System
Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) are the primary cell cycle regulators and function at the cell...
The Cell Cycle Control System
The Cell Cycle Control System
Positive Regulator Molecules
Positive Regulator Molecules
M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis
Cyclin-dependent kinases, or Cdks, work in concert with cyclins to control cell cycle transitions. M-Cdk, a complex of Cdk1 bound to M cyclin, is a well-known example of this coordinated control that drives the transition from the G2 to the M phase.
M cyclin...

