Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
11:19
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Cytokinetic Events in Fission Yeast
Published on: February 20, 2017
6.7K
Core binding factor β (CBFβ) is retained in the midbody during cytokinesis
Cesar Lopez-Camacho1, Andre J van Wijnen, Jane B Lian
1Department of Biochemistry and Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont.
Journal of Cellular Physiology
|March 21, 2014
Summary
Core Binding Factor β (CBFβ) dynamically distributes during cell division, localizing to the midbody during telophase. Its presence there is crucial for successful cytokinesis, preventing polyploidy and abscission failure.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Core Binding Factor β (CBFβ) is known to complex with RUNX transcription factors in the nucleus, regulating genes for bone, hematopoiesis, and gastrointestinal development.
- RUNX proteins are implicated in cancer development and progression.
- The cytoplasmic role and cell cycle localization of CBFβ remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic localization and function of CBFβ during the cell cycle.
- To determine the role of CBFβ in cytokinesis and its potential contribution to epigenetic regulation.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescence microscopy to track CBFβ localization during cell division.
- siRNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous CBFβ.
- Overexpression of the CBFβ-SMMHC fusion protein.
Main Results:
- CBFβ exhibits dynamic distribution throughout different stages of cell division.
- CBFβ is localized to the midbody during telophase, a critical structure for cytokinesis.
- Downregulation of CBFβ or overexpression of CBFβ-SMMHC leads to significant cytokinesis defects, including polyploidy and abscission failure.
Conclusions:
- CBFβ plays a novel functional role at the midbody during cytokinesis.
- The localization of CBFβ in the midbody suggests a contribution to epigenetic control during cell division.
- Understanding CBFβ's role in cytokinesis may offer insights into developmental processes and cancer biology.
Related Concept Videos
02:15The Contractile Ring
6.1K
Contractile rings are composed of microfilaments and are responsible for separating the daughter cells during cytokinesis. Contractile ring assembly proceeds along with other cell cycle events; however, very few mechanistic details are known about the timing and coordination of the contractile rings with the cell cycle.
A small GTPase, RhoA, controls the function and assembly of the contractile ring. RhoA belongs to the Ras superfamily of proteins. The activation of formins by RhoA promotes...
A small GTPase, RhoA, controls the function and assembly of the contractile ring. RhoA belongs to the Ras superfamily of proteins. The activation of formins by RhoA promotes...
6.1K
02:17Separation of Sister Chromatids
3.6K
At the transition from prophase to metaphase, there is a reduction in cohesion along the chromosomal arms, resulting in the resolution of sister chromatids. However, residual cohesin connections remain to hold the sister chromatids together until the transition from metaphase to anaphase. The residual connection prevents any premature separation of sister chromatids, blocking the risks of aneuploidy within the daughter cells.
At the onset of anaphase, separase, a proteolytic enzyme, is...
At the onset of anaphase, separase, a proteolytic enzyme, is...
3.6K
02:39Positive Regulator Molecules
5.3K
Mitotic cell division results in daughter cells that exactly resemble the parent cell. However, errors in the DNA replication or distribution of genetic material may lead to genetic mutations that may be passed down to every new cell formed from the resulting abnormal cell. Propagation of such mutant cells is restricted through checkpoint mechanisms present at different stages of the cell cycle. These checkpoints involve regulator molecules that either promote or demote cell cycle events.
5.3K
01:45Positive Regulator Molecules
100.8K
To consistently produce healthy cells, the cell cycle—the process that generates daughter cells—must be precisely regulated.
100.8K
02:15M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis
5.3K
Checkpoints throughout the cell cycle serve as safeguards and gatekeepers, allowing the cell cycle to progress in favorable conditions and slow or halt it in problematic ones. This regulation is known as the cell cycle control system.
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...
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...
5.3K
02:15M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis
2.5K
2.5K