The molecular mechanisms of cytokinesis are poorly understood, despite its being the fundamental event of cell division. The overall goal of the proposed research is to increase our understanding of this process, specifically by identifying proteins that participate in linking the contractile ring to the plasma membrane during cytokinesis. The novel phenotype of Drosophila frodo mutant cells indicates that the frodo gene product promotes or stabilizes this linkage in the establishment of the cleavage furrow. Cloning the frodo gene and determining the encoded protein s primary structure may reveal putative structural motifs that bear on Frodo function. Motifs and homologies identified by conceptual translation of the gene will be mutated to test their requirement for Frodo activity in cytokinesis. Antibodies raised against fragments of recombinant wild-type Frodo will be employed in an immunocytological investigation of the protein's subcellular localization in wild-type and mutant backgrounds. It will be determined whether Frodo colocalizes with known structures relevant to cytokinesis such as the contractile ring or central spindle and whether other proteins are dependent on the presence of Frodo for their localization. These studies should provide insight into Frodo function increase our understanding of cytokinesis. An improved molecular understanding of this aspect of cell division may allow for new therapeutic opportunities in cancer treatment.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32GM020574-02
Application #
6385203
Study Section
Cell Development and Function Integrated Review Group (CDF)
Program Officer
Flicker, Paula F
Project Start
2000-09-01
Project End
Budget Start
2001-09-01
Budget End
2002-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$40,196
Indirect Cost
Name
Stanford University
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
800771545
City
Stanford
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94305
Robinett, Carmen C; Giansanti, Maria Grazia; Gatti, Maurizio et al. (2009) TRAPPII is required for cleavage furrow ingression and localization of Rab11 in dividing male meiotic cells of Drosophila. J Cell Sci 122:4526-34