Fascetto interacting protein ensures proper cytokinesis and ploidy

Cell division is critical for development, organ growth, and tissue repair. The later stages of cell division include the formation of the microtubule (MT)-rich central spindle in anaphase, which is required to properly define the cell equator, guide the assembly of the acto-myosin contractile ring and ultimately ensure complete separation and isolation of the two daughter cells via abscission. Much is known about the molecular machinery that forms the central spindle, including proteins needed to generate the antiparallel overlapping interzonal MTs. One critical protein that has garnered great attention is the protein regulator of cytokinesis 1, or Fascetto (Feo) in Drosophila, which forms a homodimer to cross-link interzonal MTs, ensuring proper central spindle formation and cytokinesis. Here, we report on a new direct protein interactor and regulator of Feo we named Feo interacting protein (FIP). Loss of FIP results in a reduction in Feo localization, rapid disassembly of interzonal MTs, and several defects related to cytokinesis failure, including polyploidization of neural stem cells. Simultaneous reduction in Feo and FIP results in very large, tumorlike DNA-filled masses in the brain that contain hundreds of centrosomes. In aggregate, our data show that FIP acts directly on Feo to ensure fully accurate cell division.