iASPP–PP1 complex is required for cytokinetic abscission by controlling CEP55 dephosphorylation

Cytokinesis is the last step of cell division and is concluded by the abscission of the intercellular bridge that connects two daughter cells. The tight regulation of cytokinesis completion is essential because cytokinesis failure is associated with various human diseases. Here, we report that iASPP, a member of the apoptosis-stimulating proteins of p53 (ASPP) family, is required for proper cell division. iASPP depletion results in abnormal midbody structure and failed cytokinesis. We used protein affinity purification methods to identify the functional partners of iASPP. We found that iASPP associates with centrosomal protein of 55 kDa (CEP55), an important cytokinetic abscission regulator. Mechanically, iASPP acts as a PP1-targeting subunit to facilitate the interaction between PP1 and CEP55 and to remove PLK1-mediated Ser436 phosphorylation in CEP55 during late mitosis. The latter step is critical for the timely recruitment of CEP55 to the midbody. The present observations revealed a previously unrecognized function of iASPP in cytokinesis. This function, in turn, likely contributes to the roles of iASPP in tumor development and genetic diseases.