How cells split their chromosomes correctly
Mechanomolecular regulation of cell division
Researchers are looking at how mechanical forces and specific proteins help cells divide without errors that can lead to miscarriage, birth defects, or cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262917 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses high-resolution live-cell imaging together with molecular and biochemical lab methods to watch chromosomes during cell division. The team will study very large flexible regions of proteins at the kinetochore and how branching microtubule nucleation helps microtubules capture chromosomes. Most experiments are done in cells in the lab, producing movies of dividing cells and testing protein function with biochemical assays. The aim is to map the mechanical and biochemical safeguards that keep chromosome separation accurate.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by recurrent first‑trimester miscarriage, known aneuploidy, or those willing to donate reproductive tissues, blood, or cells for research would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment or those with health problems unrelated to chromosome segregation are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to detect, prevent, or treat chromosome segregation errors that cause early miscarriage, birth defects, and contribute to cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have revealed parts of kinetochore and microtubule biology, but this combined mechanomolecular and live‑imaging approach is relatively novel and aims to fill key gaps in understanding.
Where this research is happening
Hadley, United States
- University of Massachusetts Amherst — Hadley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maresca, Thomas Joseph — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Maresca, Thomas Joseph
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.