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New research sheds light on “asymmetric” cell division


April 20, 2011

A new study by Dr. Johné Liu and his team is shedding light on the strange form of “asymmetric” cell division that egg cells must use to get rid of half of their DNA. This process ensures that when an egg is fertilized, it has equal amounts of DNA from both the mother and father. The new study, which was selected as “Editor’s Choice” in the journal Molecular Human Reproduction, reveals how the proteins Cdc42 and RhoA play a crucial role in this process. The research has important implications for fertility research and potentially for stem cell research as well, as stem cells are also known to use a form of asymmetric cell division.