Summary of the science
Protein phosphatase 1 and protein phosphatase 2A are important molecules that help regulate mitosis, a process whereby one cell divides to become two. They act like relay switches, sending signals that determine when cells should start dividing and when they should stop. These phosphatases work by removing certain chemical tags called phosphate groups from other proteins, which affects their activity. By controlling the addition and removal of these phosphate groups, they help make sure that cells go through mitosis at the right time and in the right way.
About the research
The Hagan lab focuses on understanding the control mechanisms of cell division, specifically the decisions to enter and exit mitosis. They use yeast as a model system to study fundamental principles and molecular details of cell cycle controls. Their research explores the role of the centrosome in promoting mitotic commitment and exit, as well as the properties and regulation of protein phosphatases involved in driving cells out of division.
About the illustration
We decided to illustrate a cell undergoing mitosis, using a simple circular arrow diagram to show the stages. The white arrow suggests that cell division has temporarily stopped (or is re-starting). The protein relay system circles this diagram to indicate its importance in controlling mitotic transitions.