How cells build and hold their centrosomes during division
Official title: Mechanism of centrosome maturation in vertebrates
Funded at Syracuse University · NIH-11324249 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are learning how tiny cell parts called centrosomes form and stay together during cell division, which matters for conditions linked to centrosome problems like some forms of microcephaly and primordial dwarfism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Syracuse University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $334,700 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM144435-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11324249 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with genetic conditions tied to centrosome or pericentrin defects—such as some forms of microcephaly or primordial dwarfism—or families interested in contributing clinical samples would be most relevant to this line of research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with unrelated conditions or those seeking an immediate treatment benefit are unlikely to gain direct or near-term benefit from this basic lab-focused project.
What this research studies
From my perspective, scientists will look at the large scaffold protein pericentrin and other centrosome components to see how they are brought together when a cell divides. They will use lab-grown cells and animal models such as zebrafish, along with molecular tools and high-resolution imaging, to watch where proteins go and how the centrosome material stays crowded without a membrane. The work focuses on the timing and mechanisms of centrosome maturation at the start of mitosis. Findings aim to explain how defects in these processes can lead to chromosome segregation errors and developmental problems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify how centrosome assembly goes wrong in certain genetic disorders and suggest molecular targets for future diagnostics or therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous cell and animal studies have shown pericentrin helps recruit centrosome proteins, but the organelle-level mechanism keeping the pericentriolar material intact is still largely novel and being actively explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Syracuse University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jao, Li-En — Syracuse University
- Study coordinator: Jao, Li-En
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how motor neurons become and stay specialized in ALS
Scientists are studying how motor neurons acquire and keep their specialized identity to uncover new ways to help people with ALS.
-
Biobehavioral validation of the ADHD emotion dysregulation phenotype
A study with children who have ADHD is testing how emotion regulation and thinking skills fit together to better understand why ADHD shows up differently in kids.
-
Neuronal Cholesterol Enzyme CYP46A1 and Rett Syndrome biology
A study in Rett syndrome explores whether tweaking a brain cholesterol enzyme called CYP46A1 could help with the disease by affecting brain pathways involved in Rett.
-
Biophysical model of stellate mesenchyme and its role in shaping tissues
Aiming to build a first-of-its-kind model to understand how stellate mesenchyme shapes tissue growth and how defects can lead to Caudal Regression Syndrome and related cancers.
-
IDP sensors and memory molecules in environmental responses for neurodegenerative diseases
A project explores how flexible proteins in cells sense and remember environmental changes, with potential relevance to conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
-
ACT for HIV+ drinkers: a guided, phone-based program to help reduce hazardous alcohol use
A phone-delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy program is being tested to help adults with HIV who drink Hazardously cut back on alcohol and improve health-related outcomes.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.