Description:

 
 CDB SEMINAR PRESENTATION:

Centering the genome: Why do chromosomes align during mitosis?

Jason Stumpff, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics

University of Vermont

Thursday, March 12, 2020

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Lurie 1-123, Baldwin Auditorium

303 E. Chicago St

Chicago, Illinois

Coffee and cookies served promptly at 12:00pm

Abstract
Chromosome alignment at the equator of the mitotic spindle is a highly conserved step during cell division. However, the function of mitotic alignment is not understood. We have generated mammalian model systems to explore the consequences of disrupting chromosome alignment both in vitro and in vivo. Alignment defective cells display an increased rate of micronucleus formation. Micronuclei contain chromosomes excluded from the main nucleus and are often used clinically as a biomarker for aggressive, genomically unstable tumors. Furthermore, micronuclei have been associated with extensive but localized DNA damage and tumor initiation. In contrast, we find that mice carrying mutations that disrupt chromosome alignment form micronuclei but are not predisposed to cancer. We are using a combination of in vitro cell culture and transgenic mouse models to investigate this apparent paradox.

Related Publications
Stumpff, J., et al. (2012). Kif18A and Chromokinesins Confine Centromere Movements via Microtubule 

     Growth Suppression and Spatial Control of Kinetochore Tension. Dev Cell, 22(5), 1017-29. PMCID: 

     PMC3356572.

Fonseca, C.L., et al. (2019). Mitotic chromosome alignment ensures mitotic fidelity by promoting 

     interchromosomal compaction during anaphase. JCB. 218(4): 1148-63. PMCID: PMC6446859.

Host: Host: Dr. Dileep Varma, Assistant Professor
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology   

 
 
For more information please contact Vanessa Gonzalez, vanessa.g@northwestern.edu