A cortical pool of LIN-5 (NuMA) controls cytokinetic furrow formation and cytokinesis completion

In animal cells, cleavage furrow formation is controlled by localized activation of the GTPase RhoA at the equatorial membrane using cues transmitted from the spindle. Here, we explore the function of LIN-5, a well-studied protein known for its role in aster separation and spindle positioning in cleavage furrow formation. We show that the cortical pool of LIN-5, recruited by GPR-1/2 and important for cortical force generation, regulates cleavage furrow formation independently of its roles in aster separation and spindle positioning. Instead, our data suggest that enrichment of LIN-5/GPR-1/2 at the polar cortical region is essential to ensure the timely accumulation of contractile ring components-myosin II and Anillin at the equatorial cortex. We additionally define a late cytokinesis role of cortical LIN-5/GPR-1/2 in midbody stabilization and abscission. These results indicate that the cortical LIN-5/GPR-1/2 complex contributes to multiple aspects of cytokinesis independently of its roles in spindle positioning and elongation.