ESCRT complexes assembled and GLUEd

Endocytic transport and cytokinesis: from regulation of the cytoskeleton to midbody inheritance

Abscission is the last step of cytokinesis that leads to the physical separation of two daughter cells. An emerging picture is that abscission is a complex event that relies on changes in both lipid composition and cytoskeletal dynamics. These subcellular processes lead to the establishment of the abscission site and recruitment of the ESCRT-III protein complex to mediate the final separation event. It has become apparent that endocytic transport to the cleavage furrow during late cytokinesis mediates and coordinates lipid and cytoskeleton dynamics, thus playing a key role in abscission. Furthermore, new evidence suggests that endosomes may have additional roles in post-mitotic cellular events such as midbody inheritance and degradation. Here, we highlight recent findings regarding the function of these endosomes in the regulation of cell division.

Phosphoinositide function in cytokinesis

In systems as diverse as yeast, slime mold and animal cells, the levels and distribution of phosphatidylinositol phosphates (PIPs) must be strictly regulated for successful cell cleavage. The precise mechanism by which PIPs function in this process remains unknown. Recent experiments are beginning to shed light on the cellular pathways in which PIPs make key contributions during cytokinesis. In particular, PIPs promote proper actin cytoskeletal organization and direct membrane trafficking in dividing cells. Future research will uncover temporal and spatial regulation of the different PIPs, thus elucidating their role in cytoskeletal and membrane events that drive cell cleavage.