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Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Through the Looking Glass: Time-lapse Microscopy and Longitudinal Tracking of Single Cells to Study Anti-cancer Therapeutics
Published on: May 14, 2016
Targeting mitotic exit leads to tumor regression in vivo: Modulation by Cdk1, Mastl, and the PP2A/B55α,δ phosphatase
Eusebio Manchado1, María Guillamot, Guillermo de Cárcer
1Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
Targeting mitotic exit has been recently proposed as a relevant therapeutic approach against cancer. By using genetically engineered mice, we show that the APC/C cofactor Cdc20 is essential for anaphase onset in vivo in embryonic or adult cells, including progenitor/stem cells. Ablation of Cdc20 results in efficient regression of aggressive tumors, whereas current mitotic drugs display limited effects. Yet, Cdc20 null cells can exit from mitosis upon inactivation of Cdk1 and the kinase Mastl (Greatwall). This mitotic exit depends on the activity of PP2A phosphatase complexes containing B55α or B55δ regulatory subunits. These data illustrate the relevance of critical players of mitotic exit in mammals and their implications in the balance between cell death and mitotic exit in tumor cells.
Insights
Targeting cell division's end, Cdc20 is crucial for cancer cell anaphase. Its removal effectively regresses tumors, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Therapeutics
- Molecular Oncology
Background:
- Targeting mitotic exit is a novel strategy for cancer therapy.
- The anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) cofactor Cdc20's role in vivo is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo function of Cdc20 in cell division and its therapeutic potential in cancer.
- To identify mechanisms of mitotic exit in Cdc20-deficient cells.
Main Methods:
- Genetically engineered mouse models for Cdc20 ablation.
- Analysis of cell division, tumor regression, and protein activity (Cdk1, Mastl, PP2A).
Main Results:
- Cdc20 is essential for anaphase onset in various mammalian cell types, including stem cells.
- Cdc20 ablation leads to efficient regression of aggressive tumors.
- Cdc20-null cells can exit mitosis via Cdk1/Mastl inactivation, dependent on PP2A-B55 complexes.
Conclusions:
- Cdc20 is a critical regulator of mitotic exit and a potential therapeutic target in cancer.
- Understanding mitotic exit pathways is key to developing effective cancer treatments.
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