Abstract
Cytokinesis is a crucial step in cell proliferation, and remarkably, it is also an important mechanism for developmental regulation in the generation of diverse cell types in eukaryotic organisms. Successful cytokinesis relies on the assembly and activation of an actomyosin-based contractile ring and membrane deposition/fusion in a spatially and temporally precise manner. As such, the molecular pathways governing cytokinesis are highly complex, involving a large number of components forming intricate interactive networks. The complexity of this system, however, may have also provided a rich platform for evolutionary 'tinkering' to achieve specific morphogenetic and developmental outcomes. Furthermore, failed or altered cytokinesis appears to contribute to the development of cancer in unexpected ways.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 3044-3058 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences |
Volume | 64 |
Issue number | 23 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2007 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Asymmetric cell division
- Cytokinesis
- Enucleation
- Polar body extrusion
- Polyploidization
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Molecular Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Cell Biology