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Mitotic Cdc42 waves encode PI(3,4)P2 signaling and Golgi morphological state to control spindle scaling
Suet Yin Sarah Fung1, Shengping Xiao2, Yujin Bao1,3
1Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
Science Advances
|June 19, 2026
Summary
Self-organizing cortical waves in mitotic cells, regulated by phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate (PI(3,4)P2) turnover, act as a cell size sensor. This mechanism ensures accurate cell division by dynamically adjusting spindle size.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Self-organizing waves are crucial for spatial-temporal information in biological systems.
- Cortical waves in mitotic mast cells correlate with cell size, preceding spindle assembly.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate mechanisms governing cortical wave scaling during mitosis.
- Examine how perturbing these waves affects mitotic spindle size scaling.
Main Methods:
- Genetic depletion of inositol polyphosphate-4-phosphatase type II (INPP4B).
- Analysis of phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate (PI(3,4)P2) dynamics.
- Observation of mitotic wave periods and spindle length.
Main Results:
- Wave periods are regulated by PI(3,4)P2 turnover, dependent on INPP4B.
- INPP4B depletion increases wave period and spindle length.
- Mitotic wave periods dynamically tune via INPP4B and PI(3,4)P2 sequestration during Golgi fragmentation.
Conclusions:
- Cortical waves function as a cell size-sensing sonar mechanism.
- Dynamic regulation of signaling proteins ensures accurate spindle size scaling.
- This rapid communication scheme allows dynamic adjustment of cell division processes.
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