AIM-1 Mouse, Unlabeled, Clone: 6, BD

The mitotic phase of the cell cycle is a complex process that ensures the fidelity of chromosome segregation. During the final stage of mitosis(telophase), segregated chromosomes become less condense and nuclear membranes surround the two sets of daughter chromosomes. Simultaneously, the separation and segregation of the cytoplasm (cytokinesis) ensures complete division and formation of two identical daughter cells. Regulation of cytokinesis is poorly understood and errors in this process can lead to cell death or oncogenesis. The Drosophila serine/threonine protein kinase Aurora and the S. cerevisiae Ipl1 kinase are highly homologous and are required for progression through mitosis. Their mammalian homolog AIM-1 (also known as Aurora and Ipl1-like midbody associated protein) accumulates at the G2/M interface. During late anaphase, AIM-1 is found at the equator of central spindles. However, during telophase and cytokinesis, it is found at the midbody. Although over-expression of a kinase-inactive AIM-1 mutant disrupts formation of the cleavage furrow, nuclear division is unaffected. Thus, it is thought that AIM-1 is essential for cleavage furrowing and the onset of cytokinesis.

Immunofluorescence, Western Blotting