Cep152 interacts with the cryptic Polo-box of Plk4 and is required for Plk4-induced centriole overduplication.

and Cdc25B, but not Cdc25C phosphatases have an effect on timing and efficiency of cyclin-kinase complex formation. Overexpression of Cdc25A or Cdc25B promotes earlier assembly and activation of Cdk1-cyclin B complexes, whereas repression of these phosphatases by short hairpin RNA has a reverse effect, leading to a substantial decrease in amounts of cyclin B-bound Cdk1 in G 2 and mitosis. Importantly, we find that Cdc25A overexpression leads to an activation of Cdk7 and increase in Thr 161 phosphorylation of Cdk1. In conclusion, our data suggest that complex assembly and dephosphorylation of Cdk1 at G 2 /M is tightly coupled and regulated by Cdc25 phosphatases.

SummaryPolo-like kinases (Plks) perform crucial functions during mitosis, cytokinesis and centriole duplication. Plk2 is activated in early G1 phase and is involved in the reproduction of centrosomes. However, the mechanisms underlying Plk2-induced centriole duplication are incompletely understood. Here, we show that Plk2 directly targets the F-box protein F-box/WD repeat-containing protein 7 (Fbxw7), which is a regulator of the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of cyclin E. Plk2 phosphorylates Fbxw7 on serine 176 and the two proteins form a complex in vitro and in vivo. Phosphorylation of Fbxw7 by Plk2 induces destabilization of the F-box protein resulting in accumulation of cyclin E and increased potential for centriole reproduction. In addition, loss of Fbxw7 in human cells leads to uncontrolled centriole duplication, highlighting the importance of Fbxw7 regulation by Plk2. These findings define a previously unknown Plk2-dependent pathway involved at the onset of S phase and in centrosome duplication.