Molecular genetic analysis of regulatory networks governing cytokinesis

为了让一个细胞产生另一个细胞，它必须能够复制自己的遗传物质，然后将其平均分裂为两个独立的子细胞。这个过程的最后一个关键步骤--母细胞在物理上被分成两个不同的实体--被称为细胞质分裂。胞质分裂是通过使用在细胞内侧区域形成的环状结构来实现的。一旦接收到正确的信号，这个环就会以如此大的力量收缩，从而能够将细胞“分裂”成两半。有趣的是，研究表明，细胞能够监测环状结构的收缩，此外，还存在帮助维持这种结构的物理完整性的机制。这个系统被用来促进细胞质分裂的成功完成，即使细胞受到可能扰乱其正常功能的压力。广泛地说，该研究项目涉及确保环状结构以忠实和可靠的方式形成和收缩所需的基因和蛋白质。目前感兴趣的是一种特定的蛋白质，它通过影响关键的细胞调节因子来促进细胞质分裂的成功完成，该调节因子参与决定细胞中哪些基因的开启或关闭。

In order for a single cell to give rise to another, it must be able to replicate its genetic material, and then divide it equally into two independent daughter cells. The last crucial step of this process - where the mother cell is physically separated into two distinct entities - is called cytokinesis. Cytokinesis is achieved through the use of a ring-like structure that forms in the medial region of the cell. Upon receiving the proper signals, this ring constricts with such force that it is able to "cleave" the cell into two. Interestingly, research has shown that cells are able to monitor the constriction of the ring, and furthermore that mechanisms are in place to help maintain the physical integrity of this structure. This system is used to promote the successful completion of cytokinesis even when cells are subjected to stresses that might perturb their normal function. Broadly speaking, the research program concerns the genes and proteins required to ensure that the ring forms and constricts in a faithful and dependable manner. Of current interest is a specific protein that promotes the successful completion of cytokinesis by influencing a critical cellular regulator that is involved in determining which genes in a cell are turned on or off.