How microtubules help separate chromosomes during cell division
The role of microtubule dynamics in midzone driven chromosome segregation in anaphase
This project looks at how the tiny internal scaffolding of cells (microtubules) moves and controls chromosomes during division to help improve cancer treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11473196 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use high-resolution 3-D imaging and cell models to watch microtubules in the central spindle as cells complete division. They will compare normal cells with genetically altered cells to see how microtubule growth and arrangement push or slow chromosomes. The team combines structural tomography with molecular tools to link microtubule behavior to chromosome movement. Findings may point to new ways to target cell division in cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with cancer who are willing to provide tumor samples or participate in future clinical studies related to drugs affecting cell division.
Not a fit: Patients without cancer or whose disease is driven by non-dividing-cell mechanisms are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic-science work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help guide the design of cancer drugs that target cell division more precisely and reduce harmful side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Existing cancer drugs already target microtubules, but using detailed 3-D midzone imaging to inform new therapies is a newer, more mechanistic approach.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Redemann, Stefanie — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Redemann, Stefanie
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.