E3 ubiquitin ligases and mitosis: embracing the complexity

Trends Cell Biol. 2008 Feb;18(2):84-94. doi: 10.1016/j.tcb.2007.12.001. Epub 2008 Jan 22.

Abstract

Faithful division of eukaryotic cells requires temporal and spatial coordination of morphological transitions, which ensures that the newly replicated copies of the genome are equally distributed into the two daughter cells during mitosis. One of the mechanisms ensuring the fidelity of mitotic progression is targeted, ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis of key regulators. E3-ubiquitin ligase complexes are crucial components in this pathway because they specifically select the relevant ubiquitination substrates. Cullin-based E3-ligases, such as Cul3, have recently emerged as crucial regulators of mitosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cullin Proteins / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mitosis / physiology*
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / genetics
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / physiology*

Substances

  • Cullin Proteins
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases