Understanding how cell division errors contribute to cancer

The systems biology of mitotic checkpoint signaling and its relevance to cancer cell biology

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11066687

This study is looking at how a special system in our cells helps make sure that chromosomes are split correctly during cell division, especially in cancer cells, to better understand what goes wrong and how it might lead to problems like genome instability.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11066687 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint (SAC), a crucial mechanism that ensures chromosomes are accurately divided during cell division. By examining how this checkpoint functions and how its signaling can become disrupted in cancer cells, the study aims to uncover the dynamics of SAC signaling. Using a combination of experimental techniques and mathematical modeling, researchers will explore how unattached kinetochores signal the cell to delay division and what factors influence this process. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms behind genome instability in cancerous cells.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers characterized by genomic instability or those at high risk for developing such cancers.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancers do not involve chromosome missegregation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating cancers associated with chromosome missegregation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding cell cycle checkpoints can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancerous
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.