Cytokinesis: Dividing the Cell into Two

Cell division is fundamental to life, from development of the embryo to regeneration of cells in adults. Cytokinesis is the final stage of the cell cycle in which physical separation into two daughter cells occurs. Defects in this process are associated with cancer, neurological disease and birth defects. Animals and fungi accomplish cytokinesis by constriction of an actomyosin contractile ring built from force-producing myosin motor proteins, actin filaments and other components. The goal of our research is to quantitatively understand the mechanisms cells have evolved to assemble and constrict this contractile machine. The machine spatiotemporally coordinates its components to control internal stresses, actin polymerization and turnover so stable constriction results.