In a recent study, scientists have discovered a “mitotic stopwatch” that enables individual cells to remember when their parent cell faced difficulties in dividing. This memory system, observed in various cell types, involves the protein p53 forming a complex with ubiquitin-specific protease 28 and p53-binding protein 1 during prolonged cell division. This complex, designated the mitotic stopwatch, stabilizes p53 and prevents future divisions if levels are high enough. Interestingly, mutations in the proteins of this complex are associated with tumor formation, indicating the importance of this memory system in maintaining healthy cell division. The study sheds light on the intricate mechanisms cells use to retain crucial information.
https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/03/proteins-let-cells-remember-how-well-their-last-division-went/