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Transcriptional networks controlling the cell cycle
Martin Bonke1, Mikko Turunen, Maria Sokolova
1Genome-Scale Biology Research Program, Institute of Biomedicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
G3 (Bethesda, Md.)
|January 15, 2013
Summary
This study reveals interconnected feedback circuits controlling protein homeostasis and cell growth in Drosophila. It also identifies a Cdk1-regulated pathway influencing cell size and mitosis timing, uncoupled from gene expression.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Genome-wide screens are crucial for identifying genes affecting fundamental cellular processes.
- Understanding cell cycle regulation is key to comprehending development and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map transcriptional targets of Drosophila genes with significant cell-cycle phenotypes.
- To identify novel regulatory circuits governing protein homeostasis and cell division timing.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide RNA interference screening in Drosophila.
- Computational analysis of transcriptional target data.
- Functional analysis of genes affecting mitosis and cell size.
Main Results:
- Identified two feedback circuits: ribosome-proteasome (protein homeostasis) and ribosome-Myc/Max (protein synthesis).
- Discovered genes altering mitosis timing independently of gene expression.
- Linked these genes to a Cdk1 phosphorylation pathway involved in cell size regulation.
Conclusions:
- A Cdk1-regulated cell size checkpoint exists in metazoans.
- Cell division timing can be uncoupled from the transcriptional program of cell cycle components.
- Novel insights into protein homeostasis and cell growth regulation were uncovered.
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