ALP14

Alp14 is a protein encoded by the ALP14 gene in the yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This protein plays a crucial role in the cell cycle, specifically in the regulation of mitosis. Alp14 is a component of the Anaphase Promoting Complex/Cyclosome (APC/C), a large E3 ubiquitin ligase that controls the degradation of key regulatory proteins, thereby driving cell cycle progression.

The primary function of Alp14 is to facilitate the ubiquitylation of proteins that need to be removed for proper cell division. It acts as a substrate recognition factor for the APC/C, ensuring that the complex targets the correct proteins for degradation. In S. pombe, Alp14 is essential for the timely destruction of proteins like securin and cyclin B, which are critical for the separation of sister chromatids and the progression through anaphase. Loss of Alp14 function leads to defects in chromosome segregation and can result in mitotic arrest. Research into Alp14 has provided significant insights into the intricate mechanisms governing cell cycle control in eukaryotic organisms.