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Haspin has Multiple Functions in the Plant Cell Division Regulatory Network
Elena Kozgunova1, Takamasa Suzuki2, Masaki Ito3
1Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8602 Japan.
Plant & Cell Physiology
|February 14, 2016
Summary
Haspin, a key cell division regulator, ensures proper chromosome alignment and cytokinesis in plant cells by positioning Aurora3 kinase and influencing cell plate formation. Its inhibition causes defects in both processes.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Plant Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cell division progression is orchestrated by mitotic kinases.
- Haspin (haploid germ cell-specific nuclear protein kinase) is crucial for chromosome segregation in animal cells by promoting Aurora B localization.
- The function of Haspin in plant regulatory networks remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Haspin in plant cell division.
- To determine Haspin's effect on Aurora kinase localization and function in plants.
- To elucidate Haspin's involvement in chromosome alignment and cytokinesis.
Main Methods:
- Inhibition of Haspin using 5-iodotubercidin (5-ITu) in Bright Yellow-2 (BY-2) cells.
- Microscopy to observe chromosome alignment, Aurora kinase localization, and cell plate formation.
- Analysis of microtubule and actin filament distribution.
Main Results:
- Haspin inhibition delayed chromosome alignment and prevented centromeric localization and function of Aurora3 kinase (AUR3).
- Haspin and AUR3 function in the same pathway regulating prometaphase/metaphase chromosome alignment.
- Haspin inhibition caused severe cytokinesis defects, including binuclear cells and impaired cell plate formation, by altering actin filament distribution.
Conclusions:
- Haspin plays a conserved role in positioning Aurora3 kinase on centromeres in plant cells.
- Haspin is essential for regulating chromosome alignment during prometaphase/metaphase.
- Haspin is also critical for late cell plate expansion during cytokinesis in plant cells.
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