Meeting Abstract
During cell division, cell components must be segregated in an organized manner. Mitotic segregation of components can control cell identity and behavior. In the case of growth factor receptors, proper segregation during division is of particular importance because excess growth factor signaling can lead to cancer. However, little is known about membrane trafficking during mitosis or the mechanisms that control it. Here, we demonstrate that mitotic membrane trafficking is correlated to and dependent on the activity of mitotic kinases in embryonic Ciona intestinalis heart founder cells. Based on automated tracking of foci from in vivo live images, we report that subcellular movements of the integral membrane protein Caveolin are correlated with the progression of mitosis. Inhibition of the mitotic kinases CDK1 and PLK1 demonstrate that each is required for facets of mitotic FGF Receptor trafficking, including internalization and localization to the cytokinetic furrow, respectively. These results suggest that mitotic kinases coordinate membrane trafficking during mitosis. Uncovering the mechanisms underlying mitotic control of trafficking pathways may define new pathways that regulate cell signaling and shed light on mechanisms controlling cell fate induction. A description of growth factor receptor segregation during mitosis will suggest ways in which improper segregation can lead to abnormal cell fate, behavior, or malignancy.
