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The role of the small GTPase RhoA during asymmetric cell division and cancer
Third-party funded project |
Project title |
The role of the small GTPase RhoA during asymmetric cell division and cancer |
Principal Investigator(s) |
Cabernard, Clemens
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Project Members |
Roubinet, Chantal Tsankova, Anna
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Organisation / Research unit |
Departement Biozentrum / Growth and Development (Cabernard) |
Project start |
01.07.2014 |
Probable end |
30.06.2017 |
Status |
Completed |
Abstract |
Asymmetric cell division (ACD) generates cellular diversity. Stem cells in particular rely on asymmetric cell division, generating a self-renewed stem cell and a differentiating sibling. ACD is manifested in the generation of molecular asymmetry but can also create sibling cell size asymmetry. The positioning of the cleavage furrow is instrumental in the correct segregation of cell fate determinants and the accurate partitioning of the genomic content. Defects in furrow positioning can thus result in defective cell fate determinant segregation and/or tetraploidy, both of which can lead to cancer. A key determinant in furrow positioning and cytokinesis is the small GTPase RhoA. Recently, we found that asymmetrically dividing Drosophila neuroblasts (neural stem cells in the fly) utilize polarity cues for cleavage furrow positioning. However, the role of RhoA in this novel polarity-dependent cleavage furrow positioning pathway have not been tested so far. Here, I propose to investigate the role of the small GTPase RhoA during asymmetric cell division and cancer. In particular, we will test whether in asymmetrically dividing cells the localization and activity of RhoA is controlled through the novel polarity-dependent pathway. As a model system we will use Drosophila neuroblasts, neural stem cell-like cells. Neuroblasts divide asymmetrically, generating a large self-renewed neuroblast and a small differentiating ganglion mother cell (GMC). Defects in asymmetric cell division have been shown to cause tumor formation. |
Financed by |
Foundations and Associations
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29/03/2024
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