Some subjects always get left until the end at conferences: apoptosis, dephosphorylation and cytokinesis are classic examples. This web page, hosted by Julie Canman at the University of North Carolina, was formed by a group who were determined to fight back. In their words: “We are tired of cytokinesis being an afterthought in journal clubs, and of hearing groans every time the word cytokinesis is mentioned. To ensure proper representation of our cause, we have founded the Cytokinetic Mafia”.

First and foremost, the cytokinetic mafia is a journal club. Papers are chosen by mafia members on a monthly basis; you can view their choices, but I was disappointed that members' discussions of the chosen papers aren't made available. Even so, this is a good place to visit if you want to know what's catching the cytokinesis enthusiast's eye this month. Not surprisingly, aurora kinases are de rigueur. The mafia also highlights a relevant book each week, but again there's no evaluation of them.

If it's movies you're after, then look no further. The movies page features dividing cells from several species, from bacteria to kangaroo rats. The asymmetric cell divisions in Caenorhabditis elegans are definitely worth a look, although you'll need to be patient about download times.

Last, but not least, the cytokinetic mafia is a community: you'll find lists of members, with contact details, and a comprehensive index of labs with an interest in cytokinesis. The mafia encourages new members and welcomes additions to the movie page from members and non-members alike. It's supposed to be a secret club though, so I'm half expecting to find a horse's head in my bed.