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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
Project Members Roubinet, Chantal
Tsankova, Anna
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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