DISTINCT NUCLEAR AND SPINDLE POLE BODY POPULATIONS OF CYCLIN-CDC2 IN FISSION YEAST

CYCLINS, as subunits of the protein kinase encoded by the cdc2 gene are major controlling elements of the eukaryotic cell cycle1-3. The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe has a B-type cyclin, which is a nuclear protein7,8 encoded by the cdc13 gene4-6. Here we demonstrate the presence of two spatially distinct cdc13 cyclin populations in the nucleus of S. pombe, one of which is associated with the mitotic spindle poles. Both populations colocalize with the product of the cdc2 gene (p34cdc2). Treatment of cells with the antimicrotubule drug thiabendazole prevents cyclin degradation and blocks the tyrosine dephosphorylation and activation of cdc2. These results suggest a key regulatory role of the cdc2-cyclin complex in the initiation of mitotic spindle formation and also that mitotic microtubule function is required for cdc2 activation. © 1990 Nature Publishing Group.