Understanding how cells divide correctly to prevent cancer
Official title: Mechanisms of mitotic regulation
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10991798 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how mistakes in cell division can cause breast cancer, focusing on certain proteins that help control this process, with the goal of finding new ways to treat the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $603,068 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM148181-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991798 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those with aneuploid tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those with cancers unrelated to chromosome segregation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that regulate cell division, particularly focusing on how errors in chromosome segregation can lead to cancer, specifically breast tumors. The Stukenberg lab has been studying this area for over two decades and has discovered that many breast tumors show dysregulation in the proteins that control mitosis. By exploring how these proteins, particularly the Aurora B kinase, function and interact during cell division, the research aims to identify potential targets for new cancer therapies. The approach includes advanced techniques to observe and manipulate these proteins in both laboratory settings and living cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve cancer treatment by correcting the errors in cell division that contribute to tumor growth.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting mitotic regulation to improve cancer therapies, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stukenberg, P. Todd — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Stukenberg, P. Todd
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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.