Evidence that the spindle assembly checkpoint does not regulate APC(Fzy) activity in Drosophila female meiosis

Genome. 2012 Jan;55(1):63-7. doi: 10.1139/g11-079. Epub 2011 Dec 23.

Abstract

The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) plays an important role in mitotic cells to sense improper chromosome attachment to spindle microtubules and to inhibit APC(Fzy)-dependent destruction of cyclin B and Securin; consequent initiation of anaphase until correct attachments are made. In Drosophila , SAC genes have been found to play a role in ensuring proper chromosome segregation in meiosis, possibly reflecting a similar role for the SAC in APC(Fzy) inhibition during meiosis. We found that loss of function mutations in SAC genes, Mad2, zwilch, and mps1, do not lead to the predicted rise in APC(Fzy)-dependent degradation of cyclin B either globally throughout the egg or locally on the meiotic spindle. Further, the SAC is not responsible for the inability of APC(Fzy) to target cyclin B and promote anaphase in metaphase II arrested eggs from cort mutant females. Our findings support the argument that SAC proteins play checkpoint independent roles in Drosophila female meiosis and that other mechanisms must function to control APC activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / genetics*
  • Drosophila / genetics*
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • M Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints*
  • Meiosis*
  • Mutation

Substances

  • APC protein, Drosophila
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Drosophila Proteins