Spatial and temporal control of mitotic commitment

In a typical eukaryotic mitotic cell-division cycle, there are key steps that must be sequentially completed for successful division (G1 gap phase precedes DNA replication in S phase, and then a second gap phase, G2, precedes genome segregation in mitosis, M). Growth, development and environmental cues regulate the G1/S and G2/M transitions to control the rate of cell proliferation. Failure of such events can result in forms of cancer.

I aim to dissect the fundamental mechanisms that regulate mitotic commitment using the model organism fission yeast. The focus of his research will be on the precise spatial and temporal controls that are co-ordinated by the centrosome, where the cell microtubules are organised. In addition, I will define how mitotic commitment is reconfigured under specific environmental conditions, such as oxidative stress. Using a combination of genetics, biochemistry, phosphor-proteomics and fluorescence imaging, I will increase the understanding of the eukaryotic cell cycle in health and disease.