How chromosomes are organized and moved to prevent errors during cell division
Chromosome dynamics and organizations necessary for faithful chromosome segregation
Using advanced microscopy, researchers will map how chromosomes are positioned and pulled during cell division to help people affected by cancers and conditions caused by chromosome errors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11177739 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be reading about lab work that uses a new super‑resolution microscope to label and track every chromosome in dividing mammalian cells. The team will watch structures called kinetochores that pull chromosomes and measure forces and timing during mitosis. They will look for whether chromosomes occupy specific spaces during division (mitotic chromosome territories) and how disruptions lead to gains or losses of chromosomes, known as aneuploidy. Findings aim to clarify mechanisms that drive chromosome instability in tumors and developmental disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers characterized by chromosomal instability or aneuploidy who are willing to donate tumor or tissue samples for research would be most relevant to this project.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment benefit or those whose cancers are not driven by chromosome segregation errors are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could explain why chromosomes mis-segregate in cancer and point to new ways to detect or prevent tumor-promoting chromosome errors.
How similar studies have performed: Related imaging and kinetochore studies have improved understanding of mitosis in cells, but mapping full mitotic chromosome territories in mammalian cells is a novel aim.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suzuki, Aussie — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Suzuki, Aussie
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.