Cell & Developmental Biology
Open Access

Development and Regulation of Cell Cleavage

Tomoko Gao^{* *}Correspondence: Tomoko Gao, Department of Cell Biology, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan, Email:

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Description

Cell division, the fundamental process responsible for growth, development, and reproduction, has captivated scientists for centuries. During cytokinesis, creating two separate daughter cells. In this article, we will delve into the significance of the cell cleavage furrow, exploring its intricate mechanisms and highlighting its essential role in shaping life as we know it.

Cell division

Cell division is a critical process in the maintenance and perpetuation of life. From the single-cell zygote to the complex organisms we encounter daily, cell division is at the heart of growth and development. Among the various stages of cell division, cytokinesis plays a pivotal role in ensuring equal distribution of genetic material and cytoplasm between the daughter cells. The cell cleavage furrow, a transient indentation in the cell membrane, plays a defining role in this process. During cytokinesis, the cell cleavage furrow arises as a consequence of intricate molecular events orchestrated by the cell's internal machinery. In animal cells, the cleavage furrow forms through a process called constriction, facilitated by a contractile ring composed of actin and myosin filaments. This ring contracts, generating tension that constricts the cell membrane at the equatorial plane, eventually leading to the separation of the two daughter cells.

One of the cell cleavage is the furrow typically forms along the plane of the metaphase plate, which corresponds to the equator of the cell. This alignment ensures the equal distribution of genetic material and organelles between the daughter cells. However, nature's intricacies shine through as exceptions to this rule exist. For instance, in certain cell types, the furrow can form off-center, resulting in asymmetric division and the generation of daughter cells with different fates. These deviations highlight the versatility and adaptability of the cleavage furrow in sculpting cellular diversity.

Regulation of furrow formation

The formation of the cell cleavage furrow is tightly regulated by an intricate interplay of proteins, signaling pathways, and the cytoskeleton. Key regulators include Rho family GTPases, which act as molecular switches, and other proteins such as Anillin, Septins, and ESCRT machinery. These components work together to initiate and coordinate furrow formation, ensuring its timely occurrence and accuracy. Dysregulation of these mechanisms can lead to cell division defects, resulting in developmental abnormalities, tumor formation, or cell death.

Implications in development and regeneration

The cell cleavage furrow plays a crucial role in embryonic development, tissue growth, and wound healing. During embryogenesis, precise cleavage furrow positioning ensures the establishment of proper cell numbers and distribution, contributing to tissue patterning and organ formation. Furthermore, the ability of cells to divide and generate new tissues through furrow formation is essential for regeneration in various organisms. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate the cleavage furrow can provide valuable insights into tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. While the cell cleavage furrow is predominantly observed in animal cells, it is important to acknowledge that other organisms and cell types exhibit different mechanisms of cytokinesis. In plant cells, for instance, a cell plate forms along the division plane, which subsequently fuses with the plasma membrane to create two daughter cells. Fungi, protists, and bacteria have their unique ways of achieving cytokinesis as well.