How cells divide correctly — and why it breaks down in cancer
Mechanisms of mitotic regulation
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-11254912
This research looks at how a key protein complex controls chromosome splitting during cell division to help people with breast cancers that have too many or damaged chromosomes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11254912 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, the team is studying the proteins that make sure each new cell gets the right number of chromosomes and how tumors disrupt that process. They use a mix of lab experiments that rebuild the protein machinery in test-tube systems, cell-based work, and analyses tied to human breast tumor samples. A recent finding is that the critical protein complex forms condensates (droplet-like assemblies) that change how the proteins act, and the lab will test how that behavior affects chromosome separation and microtubule interactions. The goal is to map the steps by which tumors lower the fidelity of division so future therapies can target those steps.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer, particularly tumors known to have high aneuploidy or altered mitotic regulator expression, would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not driven by mitotic errors or whose care does not involve tumor sampling or molecular testing may not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to prevent or treat cancers driven by chromosome mis-segregation and high aneuploidy.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have established Aurora B kinase's role in mitosis and some mitosis-targeting therapies exist, but the idea that its complex forms functional condensates is a newer lead that is still being tested.
Where this research is happening
CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA — CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: STUKENBERG, P. TODD — UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- Study coordinator: STUKENBERG, P. TODD
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.
Conditions: Cancer Treatment, Cancers