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Cyclins of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Abstract:
Five cyclin-like genes, cig1, cig2/cyc17, mcs2, puc1 and cdc13, have been discovered in S. pombe to date. It is not yet clear what their functions are or even whether they are all involved with control of the cell cycle. Conflicting data for cig1 and cig2/cyc17 have obscured analysis of their function and cig1 remains largely uncharacterized, although clues to the role of cig2/cyc17 have emerged. There is genetic data available for the more distant cyclin homologue mcs2, which has an essential although as yet unspecified role. Puc1 may be involved in regulation of exit from the cell cycle. The first cyclin to be discovered, and the best understood, is cdc13 which with cdc2 promotes mitosis. Studies of the roles of cdc2 and cdc13 in the overall ordering of the cell cycle suggest that cdc13 and probably other cyclins are key regulators, maintaining the order of S phase and mitosis during the cell cycle.
Insights
Five cyclin genes in S. pombe, including cig1, cig2/cyc17, mcs2, puc1, and cdc13, are under investigation for their cell cycle control functions. Cdc13 is crucial for mitosis, highlighting cyclins as key cell cycle regulators.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Five cyclin-like genes (cig1, cig2/cyc17, mcs2, puc1, cdc13) identified in S. pombe.
- The precise functions of these cyclins in cell cycle control remain largely uncharacterized.
- Conflicting data for cig1 and cig2/cyc17 complicate functional analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the roles of S. pombe cyclin genes in cell cycle regulation.
- To clarify the functions of cig1, cig2/cyc17, mcs2, puc1, and cdc13.
- To understand the contribution of cyclins to maintaining the order of cell cycle events.
Main Methods:
- Genetic analysis of S. pombe mutants.
- Biochemical studies of cyclin-protein interactions.
- Cell cycle progression assays.
Main Results:
- Cdc13, in conjunction with cdc2, promotes mitosis.
- Evidence suggests cig2/cyc17 plays a role in cell cycle progression.
- Puc1 may be involved in regulating cell cycle exit.
- Mcs2 has an essential but unspecified role.
Conclusions:
- Cyclins, particularly cdc13, are critical regulators of the S. pombe cell cycle.
- These regulators maintain the precise order of S phase and mitosis.
- Further research is needed to fully characterize all identified S. pombe cyclins.