CAR-1, a protein that localizes with the mRNA decapping component DCAP-1, is required for cytokinesis and ER organization in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos

Mol Biol Cell. 2006 Jan;17(1):336-44. doi: 10.1091/mbc.e05-09-0874. Epub 2005 Nov 2.

Abstract

The division of one cell into two requires the coordination of multiple components. We describe a gene, car-1, whose product may provide a link between disparate cellular processes. Inhibition of car-1 expression in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos causes late cytokinesis failures: cleavage furrows ingress but subsequently regress and the spindle midzone fails to form, even though midzone components are present. The localized accumulation of membrane that normally develops at the apex of the cleavage furrow during the final phase of cytokinesis does not occur and organization of the endoplasmic reticulum is aberrant, indicative of a disruption in membrane trafficking. The car-1 gene has homologues in a number of species, including proteins that associate with RNA binding proteins. CAR-1 localizes to P-granules (germ-line specific ribonucleoprotein particles) and discrete, developmentally regulated cytoplasmic foci. These foci also contain DCAP-1, a protein involved in decapping mRNAs. Thus, CAR-1, a protein likely to be associated with RNA metabolism, plays an essential role in the late stage of cytokinesis, suggesting a novel link between RNA, membrane trafficking and cytokinesis in the C. elegans embryo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / cytology*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / embryology
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / metabolism*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cytokinesis
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / cytology*
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / embryology
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / metabolism*
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism*
  • Endoribonucleases / genetics
  • Endoribonucleases / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Protein Transport
  • RNA Caps / genetics
  • RNA Caps / metabolism
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
  • Car-1 protein, C elegans
  • RNA Caps
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Endoribonucleases
  • DCAP-1 protein, C elegans