We are interested in how cells assemble structures at the appropriate place, at the appropriate time, and in the correct shape. We are interested in the connection between cellular decisions to assemble factors at the right time and place, and in the right shape with the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton that make these changes occur. Such coordination is essential for processes such as neuronal outgrowth, would heals, and specific localization of morphogens during development. The study of budded growth in S. cerevisiae provides an excellent opportunity to study these problems. We study cytokinesis in the budding yeast as well.
Cytokinesis occurs at the position established by the bud-site selection machinery.
Like bud-site selection, both the timing and position of the cytokinetic machinery must be carefully regulated. This morphogenetic landmark would subsequently recruit proteins required for bud formation such as Cdc42p, Bem1p, and actin. Additional candidates include a novel cytoskeletal structure, the 10 nm neck filaments, that reside at the mother-bud neck for most of the cell cycle. These filaments are required for cytokinesis as well as for faithful bud-site selection. Both localization and levels of Bud4p are regulated in a cell-cycle dependent manner.