Cyclin B1, critical regulator of the timing of cell division. (360G-Wellcome-100088_Z_12_A)

A critical aspect of the cell cycle is the maintenance of high levels of cyclin B1 at metaphase followed by its rapid APC driven destruction as chromosomes segregate. Impaired regulation of cyclin B1 at this stage of the cell cycle is firmly associated with aneuploidy. Knowledge of cyclin B1 control is largely limited to studies in mitotic cells. Here I will address for the first time whether mechanisms differ between mitosis and meiosis. Indeed preliminary data provide strong evidence to sugges t vastly differing regulation and have therefore led to the design of experiments to fully characterise this. Specifically; to determine how cyclin B1 is recognised by the meiotic destruction machinery and to detail the mechanistic implications of differential spatial control of both cyclin B1 and the APC in meiosis and mitosis. Differential cyclin B1 control mechanisms ultimately point towards the existence of meiosis specific APC activator. A key goal of this project will be to uncover its identity and detail a role in both vertebrate and invertebrate meiosis. A full understanding of the physiological process which regulate cyclin B1 and metaphase exit is important since errors are not uncommon and have a great negative impact on human health.