The greatwall–PP2A axis in cell cycle control

Abstract

Cell cycle progression is largely controlled by reversible protein phosphorylation mediated by cyclically activated kinases and phosphatases. It has long been known that cyclin B–Cdk1 activation triggers mitotic entry, and the enzymatic network controlling its activation and inactivation has been well characterized. Much more recently protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) together with its B55 regulatory subunit has been recognized as the major activity dephosphorylating Cdk1 targets. Moreover, PP2A-B55 activity is high in late M phase and interphase, but low at mitotic entry. A series of discoveries in the fl y and frog model systems have uncovered the molecular mechanism mediating this regulation. The Greatwall (Gwl) kinase activates endosulfi nes, which become specifi c inhibitors of PP2A-B55. Cdk1-dependent activation of Gwl at mitotic entry leads to PP2A-B55 downregulation, which synergizes with Cdk1 activation to promote the phosphorylated states of several mitotic substrates. Much less is known on the mechanisms inactivating Gwl and endosulfi nes at mitotic exit. Recent reports show the importance of spatiotemporal regulation of Gwl, endosulfi nes, and PP2A-B55 for cell cycle progression. The various systems and cell types differ in their dependence on the Gwl–PP2A axis for cell cycle progression. Moreover, this pathway also regulates gene expression in yeast, and this function could be conserved in metazoans.