The mechanisms that control cell growth and size are largely unknown and represent a fundamental unsolved problem in biology. We recently discovered a checkpoint that links mitotic entry to membrane growth. Our analysis of this checkpoint suggests a novel hypothesis: we propose that vesicles arriving at a site of membrane growth generate a checkpoint signal that is proportional to the extent of membrane growth. We further hypothesize that downstream components read the strength of this signal to determine when sufficient growth has occurred for entry into mitosis. This hypothesis suggests a simple and broadly relevant solution to two fundamental problems in cell biology: 1) How is cell size controlled? And 2) how is membrane growth integrated with the cell cycle? The proposed Aims test key predictions of the hypothesis.
Aim 1 uses diverse approaches, including single cell analysis, to test whether membrane growth is translated into a proportional checkpoint signal.
Aim 2 tests whether key checkpoint components translate a gradually increasing checkpoint signal into a switch-like output that triggers mitosis. Completion of the Aims will define a novel checkpoint mechanism that could control the size and shape of all eukaryotic cells.

Public Health Relevance

Severe defects in cell size and shape are a nearly universal feature of cancer cells and have long been a basis of cancer pathology in the clinic. These defects may define a difference from normal cells that could be exploited to selectively kill cancer cells. To explore this novel idea, we need a better understanding of the mechanisms that control growth and size and how they go wrong in cancer cells.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM109143-02
Application #
8792230
Study Section
Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Structure/Function and Dynamics Study Section (NCSD)
Program Officer
Hamlet, Michelle R
Project Start
2014-01-17
Project End
2017-12-31
Budget Start
2015-01-01
Budget End
2015-12-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
$266,429
Indirect Cost
$77,365
Name
University of California Santa Cruz
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
125084723
City
Santa Cruz
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
95064
Clarke, Jesse; Dephoure, Noah; Horecka, Ira et al. (2017) A conserved signaling network monitors delivery of sphingolipids to the plasma membrane in budding yeast. Mol Biol Cell 28:2589-2599