Molecular Cell
Volume 41, Issue 3, 4 February 2011, Pages 263-274
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Article
Ultrasensitivity in the Regulation of Cdc25C by Cdk1

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Summary

Cdc25C is a critical component of the interlinked positive and double-negative feedback loops that constitute the bistable mitotic trigger. Computational studies have indicated that the trigger's bistability should be more robust if the individual legs of the loops exhibit ultrasensitive responses. Here, we show that in Xenopus extracts two measures of Cdc25C activation (hyperphosphorylation and Ser 287 dephosphorylation) are highly ultrasensitive functions of the Cdk1 activity; estimated Hill coefficients were 11 to 32. Some of Cdc25C's ultrasensitivity can be reconstituted in vitro with purified components, and the reconstituted ultrasensitivity depends upon multisite phosphorylation. The response functions determined here for Cdc25C and previously for Wee1A allow us to formulate a simple mathematical model of the transition between interphase and mitosis. The model shows how the continuously variable regulators of mitosis work collectively to generate a switch-like, hysteretic response.

Highlights

► The response of Cdc25C to Cdk1 in Xenopus egg extracts is ultrasensitive ► The Hill coefficient for the response is astronomical (∼11–32) ► Multisite phosphorylation accounts for some of the ultrasensitivity ► The Cdc25C and Wee1A responses account for the bistability of the mitotic trigger

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