Involvement of PCH family proteins in cytokinesis and actin distribution

Pombe Cdc15 homology (PCH) proteins constitute an extensive protein family whose members have been found in diverse eukaryotic organisms. These protei ns are characterized by the presence of several conserved sequence and stru ctural motifs. Recent studies in yeast and mammalian cultured cells have im plicated these proteins in actin-based processes, in particular, cytokinesi s. Here we review the recent findings on the in vivo localization, function , and binding partners of PCH family members. We also provide new microscop y data regarding the in vivo dynamics of a budding yeast PCH protein involv ed in cytokinesis. Microsc. Res. Tech. 49:168-172, 2000. (C) 2000 Wiley-Lis s, Inc.