How human cells divide and what goes wrong in cancer
Chemical Biology of Cell Division
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY · NIH-11261533
Researchers are using fast-acting chemical tools and advanced microscopes to watch and quickly control human cell division to learn why errors that lead to cancer happen.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11261533 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Scientists at Rockefeller University use cell-permeable chemical probes to turn specific division proteins on or off within minutes, while high-speed, high-resolution microscopy lets them watch chromosomes and microtubules in action. They combine these rapid perturbations with quantitative image analysis to capture transient protein interactions and brief steps that are hard to see. The work is done in human cell lines and focuses on the molecular mechanics of mitosis rather than testing treatments in people. Results aim to map precise failure points in division that can inform future drug targets or diagnostic markers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancer who can provide tumor tissue samples or who may join follow-up translational studies are the most relevant candidates for participation down the line.
Not a fit: People without cancer or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal the exact molecular steps that cause cell-division errors in cancer and point to new targets for therapies or diagnostics.
How similar studies have performed: Related chemical-probe and advanced imaging approaches have shed light on cell-division mechanisms before, but this project applies faster perturbations and cutting-edge microscopy to capture more transient, mitosis-specific events.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KAPOOR, TARUN M. — ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KAPOOR, TARUN M.
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: Cancers