The University of Hawai’i at Hilo College of Natural and Health Science Colloquium Series:
Wednesdays 4:15 pm – 5:00 pm in STB 118
The aim of this series is to hear about the innovative and exciting research that is taking place within our college, thus both faculty and students are encouraged to give a colloquium presentation. Talks should be either 40 - 50 minutes in length for a single presenter colloquium or 20 - 25 minutes in length for a joint colloquium event. If you would like to sign-up to give a CNHS Colloquium Talk, please fill out the following form: Talk Proposal.
For any questions, contact the organizers Heather Kaluna and Efren Ruiz.
Upcoming Colloquium
Date: 22 January 2025
Speaker: Dr. Li Tao, UHH Biology Department
Title: How Cells Divide: Unlocking the Secrets of Centralspindlin, a Key Molecular Machine in Cytokinesis
Abstract: Cell division is a fundamental process that ensures the accurate segregation of genetic material into daughter cells. Dysregulation of this process underlies numerous human diseases, including cancer. My research focuses on unraveling the molecular mechanisms driving cytokinesis, with a particular emphasis on the centralspindlin complex. Centralspindlin, composed of the kinesin-6 motor (Pav/kinesin-6) and a GTPase-activating protein (Tum/RacGAP), is essential for central spindle assembly, cleavage furrow formation, and the precise positioning of the cleavage plane. Using a combination of in vitro biochemistry and in vivo cell biology, we demonstrate that Tum/RacGAP enhances Pav/kinesin-6 motor activity, converting it into a robust, plus-end- directed motor. This synergy is critical for centralspindlin’s localization and function during cytokinesis. Furthermore, we show that centralspindlin directly transports the Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (RhoGEF) to microtubule plus-ends, facilitating localized RhoA activation and proper cleavage plane positioning. This work provides novel insights into the regulation of cell division and highlights centralspindlin’s pivotal contribution to the mechanics of cytokinesis.
