CYK-4 functions independently of its centralspindlin partner ZEN-4 to cellularize oocytes in germline syncytia

Abstract

Throughout metazoans, germ cells undergo incomplete cytokinesis to form syncytia connected by intercellular bridges. Formation of gametes ultimately requires bridge closure. Here, we investigate the contribution of the conserved bridge component centralspindlin to oocyte production in C. elegans. Centralspindlin is composed of the Rho family GTPase-activating protein (GAP) CYK-4/MgcRacGAP and the microtubule motor ZEN-4/kinesin-6, which are both essential for cytokinesis. In contrast, we show that oocyte production by the syncytial germline requires CYK-4 but not ZEN-4. Longitudinal imaging after conditional CYK-4 inactivation revealed a role in oocyte cellularization, rather than in generation of syncytial compartments. CYK-4s lipid-binding C1 domain and the GTPase-binding interface of its GAP domain were individually important for oocyte cellularization and for targeting CYK-4 to bridges, where it contributes to enrichment of active RhoA. These results identify a C1-GAP module in CYK-4 that recruits it to bridges in the germline and directs their closure to produce oocytes.\n\nIMPACT STATEMENTThe CYK-4 subunit of centralspindlin, a broadly conserved component of intercellular bridges across metazoa, is required for the cytokinesis-like closure of intercellular bridges that cellularizes oocytes to separate them from germline syncytia.\n\nMAJOR SUBJECT AREASCell Biology, Developmental Biology & Stem Cells