GO:0061640 cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis: Mechanism, Genes and Research Methods
Research-grade guide for scientists and biopharma professionals
Key Takeaways
• GO:0061640 (cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis) is a biological process defined as cytokinesis that requires proteins of the microfilament or microtubule cytoskeleton.
• The process is driven by actomyosin contractile ring assembly and constriction in animal cells, and by microtubule-based mechanisms in plants and some protists.
• Rho GTPase signaling is a master regulator of cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis, controlling actin polymerization and myosin activation.
• Cell-cycle kinases such as Cdk1 phosphorylate cytokinesis regulators like LARG to coordinate mitotic exit with cytoskeletal remodeling.
• Dysregulation of cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis is linked to cancer, fibrosis, and reproductive disorders such as non-obstructive azoospermia.
• CRISPR knockout, point-mutation, knock-in, and overexpression models are essential for dissecting gene function in cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis.
Description
Cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis (GO:0061640) is the final step of cell division in which a cell physically separates into two daughter cells through mechanisms that require the microfilament or microtubule cytoskeleton. This process is essential for genome stability, tissue homeostasis, and development, and its failure leads to binucleation, aneuploidy, and disease. Unlike generic cytokinesis, this GO term specifically captures the dependency on cytoskeletal proteins, making it a focal point for researchers studying actomyosin ring dynamics, microtubule organization, and Rho GTPase signaling. Understanding cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis is critical because it intersects with cancer biology, fibrosis, and reproductive medicine. Recent transcriptomic and genomic studies have identified cytoskeletal genes involved in spermatogenesis and liver development, highlighting the broad relevance of this process. This article synthesizes authoritative QuickGO data and verified PubMed literature to provide a research-grade overview of GO:0061640, its molecular players, and experimental approaches.
cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis At A Glance
| GO ID | GO:0061640 |
|---|---|
| GO term | cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis |
| Ontology | biological_process |
| Synonym | None |
| Definition | A cytokinesis that involves the function of a set of proteins that are part of the microfilament or microtubule cytoskeleton. |
| Major function | Physical separation of daughter cells during cell division via actomyosin ring or microtubule-based mechanisms. |
| Cytoskeletal components | Actin filaments, myosin II, microtubules, and associated regulatory proteins. |
| Key regulators | Rho GTPases, Cdk1, and RhoGEFs such as LARG. |
| Related diseases | Cancer, fibrosis, non-obstructive azoospermia. |
What Is GO:0061640?
According to the Gene Ontology, cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis (GO:0061640) is a cytokinesis that involves the function of a set of proteins that are part of the microfilament or microtubule cytoskeleton. In other words, it is the process of cell division where the physical separation of daughter cells depends on cytoskeletal elements, such as actin filaments and microtubules, rather than proceeding through a cytoskeleton-independent mechanism.
Why Is cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis Important in Cell Biology?
Cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis is fundamental to all life, as it ensures the faithful segregation of genetic material and cytoplasmic contents into daughter cells. Defects in this process cause cytokinesis failure, leading to tetraploidy and aneuploidy, which are hallmarks of cancer and developmental disorders. Moreover, the cytoskeletal machinery is co-opted in non-dividing cells for processes such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in fibrosis, making it a therapeutic target. In reproductive biology, cytoskeletal proteins are essential for spermatogenesis, and their dysregulation is associated with non-obstructive azoospermia. Thus, studying GO:0061640 provides insights into basic cell biology and human disease.
• Ensures accurate chromosome segregation and prevents aneuploidy.
• Drives tissue morphogenesis and development across species.
• Rho GTPase signaling in cytokinesis is conserved from Dictyostelium to humans.
• Cdk1 phosphorylation of LARG links mitotic kinases to cytoskeletal remodeling.
• Actin filament corset-like structures control embryo growth in kelp.
• Cytoskeletal genes are differentially expressed during liver development.
• Mutations in cytoskeletal proteins are linked to non-obstructive azoospermia.
• Cytoskeleton-dependent EMT contributes to radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
• Targeting cytokinesis regulators is a potential anticancer strategy.
• CRISPR screening enables discovery of novel cytokinesis genes.
What Happens During cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis?
Actomyosin Ring Assembly and Constriction
In simple terms: The cell builds a belt of actin and myosin that squeezes the cell in two.
In animal cells, cytokinesis begins with the assembly of an actomyosin contractile ring at the equatorial cortex, composed of actin filaments and myosin II. Rho GTPase signaling activates formins and Rho-kinase to promote actin polymerization and myosin activation, leading to ring constriction. This process is tightly coupled to mitotic exit and requires phosphorylation of regulators such as LARG by Cdk1.
Microtubule-Dependent Mechanisms
In simple terms: In some organisms, microtubules rather than actin drive cell division.
In plants and certain protists, cytokinesis relies on microtubule-based structures such as the phragmoplast or cleavage furrow positioning. Xenopus extract studies have elucidated how microtubule organization and signaling contribute to cytokinesis. These mechanisms ensure proper partitioning of organelles and genetic material.
Rho GTPase Signaling in Cytokinesis
In simple terms: Rho proteins act as molecular switches that tell the cytoskeleton to reorganize.
Rho GTPases are central regulators of cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis, controlling actin dynamics and myosin contractility. In Dictyostelium discoideum, Rho signaling coordinates cytokinesis and cell polarity. Dysregulation of Rho pathways leads to cytokinesis failure and is implicated in cancer.
Cytoskeletal Remodeling in Development
In simple terms: The cytoskeleton changes shape to help embryos grow and form tissues.
Actin filaments control the formation of corset-like structures in Saccharina kelp embryos, demonstrating a role for cytoskeleton-dependent processes in growth. Transcriptomic analyses during goat liver development reveal dynamic expression of cytoskeletal genes. These studies highlight the importance of cytoskeletal remodeling beyond canonical cytokinesis.
Key Genes Involved in GO:0061640 cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis
The following genes and proteins are key players in cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis, as supported by the verified literature.
| Gene | Major Role | Research Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| RHOA | Rho GTPase regulating actomyosin ring assembly | Central to cytokinesis signaling; target in cancer |
| ROCK1 | Rho kinase activating myosin II | Phosphorylates myosin light chain; drug target |
| LARG | RhoGEF phosphorylated by Cdk1 | Links mitotic kinases to cytoskeletal remodeling |
| CDK1 | Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 | Phosphorylates LARG; controls mitotic exit |
| ACTB | Beta-actin | Major component of contractile ring |
| MYH9 | Myosin heavy chain 9 | Motor protein in contractile ring |
| TUBB | Beta-tubulin | Microtubule subunit in spindle and midbody |
| PLK1 | Polo-like kinase 1 | Regulates cytokinesis initiation |
| ANLN | Anillin | Scaffold protein linking actin and myosin |
| ECT2 | RhoGEF | Activates RhoA at cleavage furrow |
| CIT | Citron kinase | Required for abscission |
| KIF23 | Kinesin family member 23 | Central spindle component |
| RACGAP1 | Rac GTPase activating protein 1 | Part of centralspindlin complex |
| SEPT9 | Septin 9 | Filament-forming protein at cleavage furrow |
| CFL1 | Cofilin 1 | Actin depolymerization factor |
| PFN1 | Profilin 1 | Actin monomer binding protein |
| ARPC2 | Actin related protein 2/3 complex subunit 2 | Nucleates actin branches |
| DIAPH1 | Diaphanous related formin 1 | Nucleates actin filaments |
How Is cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis Regulated?
Cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis is regulated by cell-cycle kinases, Rho GTPases, and phosphorylation events. Cdk1 phosphorylates LARG during mitosis, modulating its activity and linking cell-cycle progression to cytoskeletal remodeling. Rho GTPase signaling is spatially and temporally controlled by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs), ensuring proper ring assembly and constriction. Additionally, actin-binding proteins such as cofilin and profilin regulate filament turnover.
cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis and Human Disease
| Gene | Disease / Biology | Potential Experimental Model |
|---|---|---|
| RHOA | Cancer, cytokinesis failure | Knockout in HeLa cells |
| LARG | Mitotic defects, cancer | Point mutation of Cdk1 sites |
| PAI-1 | Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis | Overexpression in lung epithelial cells |
| CFL1 | Non-obstructive azoospermia | Knockout in mouse testis |
| TUBB | Developmental disorders | Knock-in of tubulin mutations |
Cancer and Aneuploidy
Failure of cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis leads to tetraploidy and aneuploidy, which are common in cancer. Rho GTPase signaling, a key regulator of cytokinesis, is frequently dysregulated in tumors, making it a therapeutic target. Targeting cytokinesis regulators such as PLK1 and ROCK1 is under investigation.
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Cytoskeleton-dependent epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Captopril alleviates fibrosis by suppressing PAI-1 expression and cytoskeleton-dependent EMT, highlighting the role of cytoskeletal remodeling in disease.
Non-Obstructive Azoospermia
Cytoskeletal proteins are essential for spermatogenesis, and their dysregulation is associated with non-obstructive azoospermia. Whole-exome sequencing and microarray analyses have identified novel cytoskeleton proteins involved in Sertoli and spermatogenic cell dysfunction.
From cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis-Related Genes to Experimental Models
| Research Question | Suitable Model |
|---|---|
| Does gene X regulate actomyosin ring assembly? | CRISPR knockout in HeLa or U2OS cells |
| How does phosphorylation of LARG affect cytokinesis? | Point mutation of Cdk1 sites |
| Can a disease-associated mutation impair cytokinesis? | Knock-in of patient mutation |
| Where does protein X localize during cytokinesis? | Tagged knock-in with GFP |
| Does overexpression of PAI-1 induce EMT? | Overexpression in lung epithelial cells |
| What is the role of Rho signaling in Dictyostelium? | Knockout of Rho GTPases |
How to Study the cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis Process
| Method | What It Measures | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Live-cell imaging | Dynamics of cytoskeletal proteins | Visualizing ring constriction |
| RNA-seq | Gene expression changes | Identifying cytoskeletal genes in development |
| Whole-exome sequencing | Genetic variants | Discovering mutations in azoospermia |
| Microarray | Expression profiling | Finding cytoskeleton proteins in Sertoli cells |
| Phosphoproteomics | Phosphorylation sites | Mapping Cdk1 substrates |
| CRISPR screening | Gene function at scale | Identifying novel cytokinesis genes |
| Immunofluorescence | Protein localization | Detecting midbody proteins |
| Xenopus extract assays | Microtubule organization | Studying cytokinesis signaling |
Live-Cell Imaging
Live-cell imaging of fluorescently tagged cytoskeletal proteins allows real-time visualization of actomyosin ring assembly and constriction. This method is essential for studying dynamics and identifying defects in cytokinesis.
Transcriptomics and RNA-seq
RNA-seq has been used to identify differentially expressed cytoskeletal genes during liver development and in spermatogenic cells. These approaches reveal candidate genes for functional studies.
Whole-Exome Sequencing
Whole-exome sequencing of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia has identified mutations in cytoskeletal genes, providing insights into disease mechanisms.
Proteomics and Phosphoproteomics
Phosphoproteomics can identify Cdk1 substrates like LARG and map signaling pathways regulating cytokinesis. This method is powerful for discovering novel regulators.
How CRISPR Can Be Used to Study GO:0061640 cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis
Knockout
CRISPR knockout of cytoskeletal genes such as RHOA or ANLN in cell lines can reveal their essential roles in cytokinesis. Knockout models are used to assess proliferation defects and binucleation.
Point Mutation
Point mutations can be introduced to study phosphorylation sites, such as Cdk1 sites on LARG, to determine their role in cytokinesis regulation. This approach provides mechanistic insights.
Knock-in
Knock-in of fluorescent tags or disease-associated mutations allows tracking of protein localization and function in live cells. For example, tagging tubulin or actin enables imaging of cytoskeletal dynamics.
Overexpression
Overexpression of genes like PAI-1 can induce cytoskeleton-dependent EMT, modeling fibrosis. This approach is useful for gain-of-function studies.
How EDITGENE Supports cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis Research
Researchers studying cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis-related genes often need to determine whether a candidate gene is causally involved in the process or merely correlated with it. This requires precise genetic manipulation, which is where EDITGENE's CRISPR services can accelerate discovery.
Contact EDITGENE today to design your custom CRISPR model for cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis research.
Related Products
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| SEPTIN7 Knockout HEK293 Cell Line | EDJ-KQ3540 | Human | 989 | Details Get a Quote |
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| SEPTIN4 Knockout HEK293 Cell Line | EDJ-KQ5501 | Human | 5414 | Details Get a Quote |
| SPAST Knockout HEK293 Cell Line | EDJ-KQ5832 | Human | 6683 | Details Get a Quote |
| SEPTIN9 Knockout HEK293 Cell Line | EDJ-KQ6541 | Human | 10801 | Details Get a Quote |
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Frequently Asked Questions About cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis
What is GO:0061640?
GO:0061640 is the Gene Ontology term for cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis, a biological process where cell division requires microfilament or microtubule cytoskeletal proteins.
What genes are involved in cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis?
Key genes include RHOA, ROCK1, LARG, CDK1, ACTB, MYH9, TUBB, PLK1, ANLN, and ECT2, among others.
How is cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis regulated?
It is regulated by Rho GTPase signaling and cell-cycle kinases such as Cdk1, which phosphorylates LARG.
What diseases are associated with cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis defects?
Defects are linked to cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, and non-obstructive azoospermia.
What methods are used to study cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis?
Common methods include live-cell imaging, RNA-seq, whole-exome sequencing, and CRISPR screening.
What is the role of Rho GTPases in cytokinesis?
Rho GTPases control actin polymerization and myosin activation during contractile ring assembly.
How does Cdk1 regulate cytokinesis?
Cdk1 phosphorylates LARG, linking mitotic progression to cytoskeletal remodeling.
Can CRISPR knockout be used to study cytokinesis genes?
Yes, CRISPR knockout of genes like RHOA or ANLN can reveal their essential roles in cytokinesis.
What is the difference between cytoskeleton-dependent and independent cytokinesis?
Cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis requires microfilament or microtubule proteins, while independent mechanisms do not.
What model organisms are used to study cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis?
Models include Xenopus extracts, Dictyostelium discoideum, Saccharina kelp, and mammalian cell lines.
Conclusion
Cytoskeleton-dependent cytokinesis (GO:0061640) is a fundamental biological process that ensures proper cell division through the coordinated action of actin, microtubules, and their regulators. Its dysregulation is implicated in cancer, fibrosis, and reproductive disorders, making it a critical area of research. Advances in CRISPR gene editing and high-throughput sequencing continue to uncover novel genes and mechanisms, offering potential therapeutic targets. EDITGENE's suite of CRISPR services supports researchers in dissecting this complex process with precision.
References
- 1. Xia C et al.. 2025. Captopril alleviates radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing PAI-1 expression and cytoskeleton-dependent epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.. Eur J Pharmacol 1005:178045 PMID: 40780595
- 2. Rivero F et al.. 2016. Rho Signaling in Dictyostelium discoideum.. Int Rev Cell Mol Biol 322:61-181 PMID: 26940518
- 3. Helms MC et al.. 2016. Mitotic-dependent phosphorylation of leukemia-associated RhoGEF (LARG) by Cdk1.. Cell Signal 28(1):43-52 PMID: 26483157
- 4. Zhao X et al.. 2022. High-Throughput Sequencing Reveals Transcriptome Signature of Early Liver Development in Goat Kids.. Genes (Basel) 13(5) PMID: 35627218
- 5. Azizi H et al.. 2022. Whole Exome Sequencing and In Silico Analysis of Human Sertoli in Patients with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia.. Int J Mol Sci 23(20) PMID: 36293429
- 6. Hashemi Karoii D et al.. 2025. Identification of novel cytoskeleton protein involved in spermatogenic cells and sertoli cells of non-obstructive azoospermia based on microarray and bioinformatics analysis.. BMC Med Genomics 18(1):19 PMID: 39863862
- 7. Field CM et al.. 2017. Xenopus extract approaches to studying microtubule organization and signaling in cytokinesis.. Methods Cell Biol 137:395-435 PMID: 28065319
- 8. Boscq S et al.. 2025. Longitudinal growth of the Saccharina kelp embryo depends on actin filaments that control the formation of a corset-like structure composed of alginate.. Sci Rep 15(1):1178 PMID: 39774153
