MONJE CASAS , Fernando

The mitotic exit network (MEN) is a signaling cascade that triggers inactivation of the mitotic cyclin-dependent kinases and exit from mitosis. The GTPase Tem1 localizes on the spindle pole bodies (SPBs) and initiates MEN signaling. Tem1 activity is inhibited until anaphase by Bfa1-Bub2. These proteins are also part of the spindle position...

Aurora B and the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) collaborate to ensure the proper biorientation of chromosomes during mitosis. However, lack of Aurora B activity and inactivation of the SAC have a very different impact on chromosome segregation. This is most evident in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, since in this organism the lack of Aurora B is...

When chromosomal DNA is damaged, progression through the cell cycle is halted to provide the cells with time to repair the genetic material before it is distributed between the mother and daughter cells. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, this cell cycle arrest occurs at the G2/M transition. However, it is also necessary to restrain exit from mitosis...

The nucleolus plays a pivotal role in multiple key cellular processes. An illustrative example is the regulation of mitotic exit in Saccharomyces cerevisiae through the nucleolar sequestration of the Cdc14 phosphatase. The peculiar structure of the nucleolus, however, has also its drawbacks. The repetitive nature of the rDNA gives rise to...

The structural organization of chromosomes is essential for their correct function and dynamics during the cell cycle. The assembly of DNA into chromatin provides the substrate for topoisomerases and condensins, which introduce the different levels of superhelical torsion required for DNA metabolism. In particular, Top2 and condensin are...

Manganese is an essential trace element, whose intracellular levels need to be carefully regulated. Mn2+ acts as a cofactor for many enzymes and excess of Mn2+ is toxic. Alterations in Mn2+ homeostasis affect metabolic functions and mutations in the human Mn2+/Ca2+ transporter ATP2C1 have been linked to Hailey-Hailey disease. By deletion of the...