Transcriptional mechanisms of developmental cell cycle arrest: Problems and models

• Published in: Seminars in cell & developmental biology 2012-05, Vol.23 (3), p.290-297
• Main Authors: Devès, Mathilde, Bourrat, Franck
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Cell cycle arrest; Cell Cycle Checkpoints; Cell Cycle Checkpoints - genetics; Development; Life Sciences; Metazoa; Models, Biological; Neurons and Cognition; Proliferation; Size; Transcription, Genetic; Transcription, Genetic - genetics; Transcriptional regulation
• ISSN: 1084-9521; 1096-3634
• DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2012.03.003

► We review some transcriptional mechanisms of developmental cell cycle arrest. ► We propose to study cellular conveyor belts to better understand this phenomenon. ► We discuss the possible maintenance of cell cycle arrest mechanisms in adult tissues. Metazoans begin their life as a single cell. Then, this cell enters a more or less protracted period of active cell proliferation, which can be considered as the default cellular state. A crucial event, the developmental cell cycle exit, occurs thereafter. This phenomenon allows for differentiation to happen and regulates the final size of organs and organisms. Its control is still poorly understood. Herein, we review some transcriptional mechanisms of cell cycle exit in animals, and propose to use cellular conveyor belts as model systems for its study. We finally point to evidence that suggests that the mechanisms of developmental cell cycle arrest may have to be maintained in adult tissues.