Cytokinesis in Animal Cells
- 1Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom
- 2Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari c/o Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Università Sapienza di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
- 3Cell Division and Aneuploidy Laboratory, Cancer Research UK–London Research Institute, Clare Hall Laboratories, South Mimms, Hertfordshire EN6 3LD, United Kingdom
- Correspondence: ppd21{at}cam.ac.uk
Abstract
Cell division ends with the physical separation of the two daughter cells, a process known as cytokinesis. This final event ensures that nuclear and cytoplasmic contents are accurately partitioned between the two nascent cells. Cytokinesis is one of the most dramatic changes in cell shape and requires an extensive reorganization of the cell’s cytoskeleton. Here, we describe the cytoskeletal structures, factors, and signaling pathways that orchestrate this robust and yet highly dynamic process in animal cells. Finally, we discuss possible future directions in this growing area of cell division research and its implications in human diseases, including cancer.
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