How cells build the centromere that guides chromosome separation
Mechanisms of Kinetochore Assembly
Researchers are studying how cells assemble the centromere and kinetochore so chromosomes separate correctly and to help prevent errors that can lead to cancer and genetic disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248267 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team focuses on a special histone called CENP-A that marks where the centromere and kinetochore form and how that structure is maintained through the cell cycle. They will use molecular and cell biology experiments, biochemical binding assays, and advanced microscopy to track how CENP-A is placed and stabilized. The project has three main aims: how CENP-A chromatin is assembled each cycle, how it survives DNA replication, and how defects lead to chromosome missegregation. Most experiments are done in lab-grown cells and biochemical systems rather than in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers marked by chromosomal instability or other conditions tied to aneuploidy would be the most relevant group for future clinical follow-up from these findings.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cell division or chromosomal abnormalities are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets or strategies to prevent or treat cancers driven by chromosome missegregation and aneuploidy.
How similar studies have performed: Prior basic research has defined key centromere proteins such as CENP-A and CENP-C, but translating these mechanistic insights into proven clinical treatments is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Straight, Aaron F — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Straight, Aaron F
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.