A putative exchange factor for Rho1 GTPase is required for initiation of cytokinesis in Drosophila.

ABSTRACT: Cytokinesis ensures the successful completion of the cell cycle and distribution of chromosomes, organelles, and cytoplasm between daughter cells. It is accomplished by formation and constriction of an actomyosin contractile ring that drives the progression of a cleavage furrow. Microinjection experiments and in vitro transfection assays have suggested a requirement for small GTPases of the Rho family in cytokinesis. Yet, the identity of proteins regulating Rho signaling pathways during cytokinesis remains unknown. Here we show that in Drosophila, Pebble (Pbl), a putative exchange factor for Rho GTPases (RhoGEF), is required for the formation of the contractile ring and initiation of cytokinesis. The dynamics of Pbl expression and its distribution during mitosis, as well as structure-funct

SUBMITTER: Prokopenko SN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC316993 | biostudies-literature | 1999 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature