A model for asymmetrical cell division

AbstractA defining property of stem cells is their ability to differentiate via asymmetric cell division, in which a stem cell creates a differentiated daughter cell but retains its own phenotype. Here, we describe a synthetic genetic circuit for controlling asymmetrical cell division in Escherichia coli. Specifically, we engineered an inducible system that can bind and segregate plasmid DNA to a single position in the cell. Upon division, the co-localized plasmids are kept by one and only one of the daughter cells. The other daughter cell receives no plasmid DNA and is hence irreversibly differentiated from its sibling. In this way, we achieved asymmetric cell division though asymmetric plasmid partitioning. We also characterized an orthogonal inducible circuit that enables the simultaneous asymmetric partitioning of two plasmid species – resulting in pluripotent cells that have four distinct differentiated states. These results point the way towards engineering multicellular systems from prokaryotic hosts.

Download Full-text

Cell polarity and microtubule organisation during mouse early embryogenesis

Development ◽

10.1242/dev.113.supplement_1.17 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 113 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 17-25

Author(s):

Bernard Maro ◽

Catherine Gueth-Hallonet ◽

Joël Aghion ◽

Claude Antony

Keyword(s):

Cell Division ◽

Cell Polarity ◽

Early Development ◽

Epithelial Differentiation ◽

Early Embryogenesis ◽

Asymmetrical Cell Division

We have studied the distribution and the role of microtubules in the major developmental events occuring during early development of the mouse. These events are the setting up of asymmetries within blastomeres, the process of asymmetrical cell division and the changes in cellular organisation taking place during epithelial differentiation.

Download Full-text

Development of gliomas: potential role of asymmetrical cell division of neural stem cells

The Lancet Oncology ◽

10.1016/s1470-2045(04)01531-1 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 5 (8) ◽

pp. 511-514 ◽

Cited By ~ 41

Author(s):

François Berger ◽

Emmanuel Gay ◽

Laurent Pelletier ◽

Philippe Tropel ◽

Didier Wion

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Cell Division ◽

Neural Stem Cells ◽

Potential Role ◽

Asymmetrical Cell Division

Download Full-text

Faculty Opinions recommendation of Fate determination of neural crest cells by NOTCH-mediated lateral inhibition and asymmetrical cell division during gangliogenesis.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.1000209.367 ◽

2001 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Chaya Kalcheim

Keyword(s):

Cell Division ◽

Neural Crest ◽

Lateral Inhibition ◽

Neural Crest Cells ◽

Fate Determination ◽

Asymmetrical Cell Division

Download Full-text

Pre Prophase Microtubules and Stomatal Differentiation in Commelina Cy Anea

Australian Journal of Biological Sciences ◽

10.1071/bi9690375 ◽

1969 ◽

Vol 22 (2) ◽

pp. 375 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

JD Pickett-Heaps

Keyword(s):

Cell Division ◽

Mother Cell ◽

Preprophase Band ◽

Stomatal Development ◽

Cell Organelles ◽

Stomatal Complex ◽

Guard Mother Cell ◽

The Relationship ◽

Asymmetrical Cell Division

The relationship between preprophase microtubules and asymmetrical cell division in the formation of the stomatal complex of C. cyanea was investigated. Polarization of nuclei and other cell organelles adjacent to the guard mother cell occurred in most cases without a preprophase band of microtubules being present; the grouping of preprophase microtubules appeared immediately prior to cell division, and its situation, even during abnormal stomatal development, predicted the plane of future division. The results show that preprophase microtubules cannot be the cytoplasmic agents involved in orienting and positioning the nucleus prior to division. Clear evidence was obtained indicating that preprophase microtubules move intact into the spindle. Some aspects of abnormal stomatal development are discussed, and the results are related to some other work on stomatal differentiation.

Download Full-text