Understanding how chromosomes are accurately divided during cell division
Official title: Mechanisms underlying chromosome segregation
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11135014 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how cells make sure their chromosomes are divided correctly during cell division, which is really important for healthy growth, and it uses yeast to understand the details of this process better, hoping to find out more about problems like cancer and birth defects that can happen when things go wrong.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $110,014 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM149357-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11135014 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cancers or congenital abnormalities related to chromosomal defects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to chromosome segregation or those not affected by aneuploidy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that ensure accurate chromosome segregation during cell division, which is crucial for the development of all organisms. It focuses on how kinetochores, the structures that attach chromosomes to spindle fibers, are assembled and how they function to maintain proper chromosome attachment. By using budding yeast as a model organism, the research employs biochemical and genetic techniques to explore these processes in detail. The findings aim to shed light on the causes of aneuploidy, a condition linked to cancer and birth defects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing cancers and congenital abnormalities associated with chromosome segregation errors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding chromosome segregation mechanisms, indicating that this approach is built on established scientific foundations.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Biggins, Susan — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Biggins, Susan
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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.