How cells build and hold their centrosomes during division
Mechanism of centrosome maturation in vertebrates
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 ID | NIH-11324249 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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, United States
- Syracuse University — Syracuse, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jao, Li-En — Syracuse University
- Study coordinator: Jao, Li-En
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 below.