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Cyclin B and Cdc2 expression and Cd2 kinase activity during Dictyostelium differentiation
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
DNA and Cell Biology
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Dictyostelium development involves cell cycle regulation. Cyclin B mRNA and protein levels fluctuate during development, impacting Cdc2 kinase activity and cell division timing.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Dictyostelium differentiation occurs without nutrients.
- Two mitotic periods occur during Dictyostelium development.
- Cyclin B mRNA levels vary with the cell cycle during vegetative growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate changes in cyclin B mRNA and protein levels during Dictyostelium development.
- Analyze Cdc2 protein levels and Cdc2-histone H1 kinase activity during development.
- Determine the role of cyclin B in regulating cell cycle progression during Dictyostelium development.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of cyclin B mRNA and protein levels.
- Measurement of Cdc2 protein levels.
- Assay of Cdc2-histone H1 kinase activity in cell extracts.
Main Results:
- Cyclin B mRNA levels peaked at the tipped aggregate stage during development.
- Cyclin B protein levels showed slight variations, peaking early and decreasing later in development.
- Cdc2-histone H1 kinase activity correlated with cyclin B protein levels, increasing early in development.
Conclusions:
- Cyclin B levels influence Cdc2 kinase activity in Dictyostelium.
- Changes in cyclin B during development may regulate cell cycle progression.
- Early developmental increases in Cdc2 kinase activity might facilitate mitosis after starvation.