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Published on: February 20, 2017
Polar expansion during cytokinesis
Heather F M Gudejko1, Lea M Alford, David R Burgess
1Department of Biology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA.
Cytoskeleton (Hoboken, N.J.)
|October 3, 2012
Summary
New membrane is added to cell poles during anaphase, expanding the plasma membrane and potentially aiding cell division. This process involves actin and astral microtubules, adding unique membrane distinct from the original.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Vesicle trafficking and membrane addition at the cleavage furrow are well-established during cell division.
- The role of cell pole expansion during cytokinesis has been historically unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the addition of new membrane at cell poles during cytokinesis.
- To determine the mechanism and composition of membrane added at cell poles.
Main Methods:
- Live-cell imaging to observe membrane dynamics during mitosis.
- Experiments utilizing actin and microtubule inhibitors to assess their roles.
- Biochemical analysis to characterize the composition of added membrane, including lipid raft components.
Main Results:
- New membrane is added to cell poles during anaphase, preceding furrow ingression.
- This polar membrane addition is dependent on actin and astral microtubules.
- The newly added polar membrane is compositionally distinct, lacking GM(1) lipid rafts.
Conclusions:
- Cell pole expansion during cytokinesis is driven by the addition of new membrane, not stretching.
- This process provides a pushing force for membrane ingression at the cleavage furrow.
- The distinct composition of polar membrane suggests specialized functions during cell division.
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