Polo-like kinase acts as a molecular timer that safeguards the asymmetric fate of spindle microtubule-organizing centers

• Published in: eLife Vol. 9
• Main Authors: Matellán, Laura, Manzano-López, Javier, Monje-Casas, Fernando
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England eLife Science Publications, Ltd 02.11.2020; eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd; eLife Sciences Publications Ltd
• Subjects: aging; asymmetry; Cell Biology; Cell Cycle Proteins - genetics; Cell Cycle Proteins - metabolism; centrosome; Development and progression; Genes, Fungal; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Microtubules - physiology; MTOC; Nervous system diseases; POLO; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases - genetics; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases - metabolism; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins - genetics; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins - metabolism; SPB; Spindle Apparatus - physiology; Stem cells; Tubulin; cell biology; SPB; POLO; asymmetry; aging; centrosome; MTOC; S. cerevisiae
• ISSN: 2050-084X; 2050-084X
• DOI: 10.7554/eLife.61488

The microtubules that form the mitotic spindle originate from microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs) located at either pole. After duplication, spindle MTOCs can be differentially inherited during asymmetric cell division in organisms ranging from yeast to humans. Problems with establishing predetermined spindle MTOC inheritance patterns during stem cell division have been associated with accelerated cellular aging and the development of both cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we expand the repertoire of functions Polo-like kinase family members fulfill in regulating pivotal cell cycle processes. We demonstrate that the Plk1 homolog Cdc5 acts as a molecular timer that facilitates the timely and sequential recruitment of two key determinants of spindle MTOCs distribution, that is the γ-tubulin complex receptor Spc72 and the protein Kar9, and establishes the fate of these structures, safeguarding their asymmetric inheritance during Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitosis.