Division plane determination during plant somatic cytokinesis

Abstract

Division plane determination in plant cells involves the transformation of the cortical microtubular array into a preprophase band (PPB) with the nucleus anchored at the center. This likely occurs through polarity cues controlling proteins affecting cytoskeletal dynamics. Crosstalk with cell cycle machinery should assure that this happens in concert with cell cycle progression. Before PPB breakdown, targeted deposition of factors at the position of the PPB translates this position into a signal which remains present throughout cytokinesis and directs the centrifugal growing cell plate to the correct cortical position. Anchoring and maturation of the cell plate ultimately divides the two daughter cells. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the mechanisms and molecular players in division plane determination in plant somatic cytokinesis.