During cell division, complex signalling pathways ensure that the two daughter cells separate only when each has received a single complete set of chromosomes. Carlos Vázquez de Aldana and co-workers describe how, at high temperatures, the protein Swm1p is needed for the final stages of cell separation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (see p. 545). Swm1p is a core subunit in the anaphase-promoting complex (APC), the E3 ubiquitin ligase that initiates the metaphase-anaphase transition and promotes mitotic exit once chromosome segregation is complete. The authors report that, at 38°C, swm1 cells – mutants lacking SWM1 – form chains instead of separating into single cells after chromosome segregation. This behaviour results from reduced expression of chitinase and other proteins involved in separation, all of which require the transcription factor Ace2p for their expression. The authors show that at 38°C Ace2p fails to move from the cytoplasm to the nucleus (as happens at 28°C) at the end of mitosis, and they speculate that this failure to relocalise is linked to incorrect inactivation of cyclin-dependent kinases in swm1 cells.
How yeast cells control separation
How yeast cells control separation. J Cell Sci 1 February 2004; 117 (4): e402. doi:
Download citation file:
Advertisement
Cited by
Reasons to submit to Journal of Cell Science

There are many benefits to publishing in Journal of Cell Science - read more about why you should choose JCS or visit our submission page now.
Call for papers: Cell and Tissue Polarity
-PolarityCFP.png?versionId=5161)
We are welcoming submissions for our next special issue, which will focus on ‘Cell and tissue polarity’ and will be guest edited by David Bryant. Submission deadline: 15 July.
The Forest of Biologists

The Forest of Biologists is a biodiversity initiative created by The Company of Biologists, with support from the Woodland Trust. For every Research and Review article published in Journal of Cell Science a native tree is planted in a UK forest. In addition to this we are protecting and restoring ancient woodland and are dedicating these trees to our peer reviewers. Visit our virtual forest to learn more.
Propose a new Workshop for 2025

Do you have an idea for a Workshop? We are now accepting proposals for our 2025 Biologists Workshops programme. As the scientific organiser, your involvement will be focused on the science. We'll take care of all the logistics. In 2025 we'll continue our efforts to diversify our Workshop programme and will be reserving one of our Workshops for an application from a Global South (GS) country to host an event overseas.
FocalPlane Image Competition 2023

FocalPlane’s 2023 image competition is underway, in celebration of the community site’s third birthday. Click here for submission details and information on how to showcase your favourite image.