The University of Hawai’i at Hilo College of Natural and Health Science Colloquium Series
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.
29 January 2025
Speaker: Dr. Nathanial Brown, Penn State University
Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA
5 February 2025
Speaker: Dr. Travis Mandel, UHH Computer Science Department
Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA
26 February 2025
Speaker: Dr Anita Marshall, University of Florida
Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA
16 April 2025
Speaker: Dr. Chester Dabalos, UHH Chemistry Department
Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA
23 April 2025
Speaker: Dr. Steve Doo, UHH Marine Science Department
Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA
7 May 2025
Speaker: Dr. Nicole Drakos, UHH Physics and Astronomy Department
Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA