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Monitoring Kinase and Phosphatase Activities Through the Cell Cycle by Ratiometric FRET
Published on: January 27, 2012
Phosphorylation network dynamics in the control of cell cycle transitions
Daniel Fisher1, Liliana Krasinska, Damien Coudreuse
1Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, IGMM, CNRS UMR, Université Montpellier I and II, France. daniel.fisher@igmm.cnrs.fr
Journal of Cell Science
|December 11, 2012
Summary
Cell cycle progression is driven by quantitative changes in cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) activity. Opposing kinase and phosphatase activities ensure abrupt cell cycle transitions and dynamic regulation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The cell cycle in fission yeast is regulated by quantitative changes in cyclin B-Cdk1 kinase activity.
- Low Cdk1 activity initiates S phase, while exceeding a threshold promotes mitosis.
- This model is fundamental to understanding eukaryotic cell cycle progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate how a single kinase's activity generates ordered cell cycle progression.
- To explain the separation of DNA replication and mitosis.
- To discuss recent findings on Cdk1 activity thresholds and cell cycle directionality.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent findings on Cdk1 substrate phosphorylation.
- Analysis of factors determining Cdk1 activity thresholds.
- Discussion of biochemical processes underlying cell cycle transitions.
Main Results:
- Cdk1 activity thresholds dictate progression through cell cycle phases.
- Increasing Cdk activity provides directionality to the cell cycle.
- Opposing kinase and phosphatase activities are crucial for abrupt transitions.
Conclusions:
- A quantitative model of cell cycle control emphasizes the role of opposing kinase and phosphatase activities.
- These opposing activities ensure dynamic and abrupt cell cycle transitions.
- Understanding these mechanisms is key to comprehending eukaryotic cell cycle regulation.
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