IPLS Seminar - Prof. Mohan Balasubramanian (University of Warwick)

Title: Eukaryotic Cytokinesis in vitro and in vivo

Abstract: Cytokinesis in many eukaryotes involves an actomyosin-based contractile apparatus. How the actomyosin ring assembles and how it contracts are key to understanding the mechanism of cytokinesis. We use the fission yeasts Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Schizosaccharomyces japonicus to understand molecular mechanisms of cytokinesis. I will describe recent work from my group that explores the mechanism of actomyosin ring placement, contraction and disassembly. I will highlight how physical properties of the cytokinetic apparatus and its constituents may influence key mechanisms of cytokinesis.