Cells are the basis of life and new cells arise by dividing one cell into two cells. In animals, cell division is typically mediated by a ring-like structure consisting of long threads of actin fibers. This actin ring shrinks in size and generates the two new cells. In case actin ring constriction fails, cell division is abolished and numerous diseases can arise. The research group of Prof. Dr. Esther Zanin discovered a novel type of ring that assembles and constricts in case actin fibers are missing. The molecular composition of the novel contractile ring and how it constricts was recently published by the research group in Cell Reports
