Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Cytokinesis is a crucial step in the cell division cycle whereby the cell membrane and underlying cortex is remodelled and drawn together to create two new daughter cells. While in many eukaryotic systems this process is accomplished by an actomyosin contractile ring, the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei displays an unusual mechanism for cytokinesis, with an increased reliance on microtubules. There are a number of crucial preparatory steps involving the replication and segregation of organelles that must be undertaken in order for cytokinesis to occur. In this review, we will discuss the cellular architecture of the trypanosome and its importance within cytokinesis, and the recent progress in understanding the regulatory systems involved. Recent advances in three-dimensional imaging techniques have improved our understanding of the mechanisms driving cytokinesis and are likely to yield further insights in the future.

Original publication

DOI

10.1002/cm.21074

Type

Journal article

Journal

Cytoskeleton (Hoboken)

Publication Date

11/2012

Volume

69

Pages

931 - 941

Keywords

Cytokinesis, Microtubules, Trypanosoma brucei brucei