# Mechanisms underlying chromosome segregation

> **NIH NIH R35** · FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER · 2024 · $352,000

## Abstract

Project Summary
Accurate cell division is essential for the development of all organisms. During each cell cycle, chromosomes
must be precisely partitioned to daughter cells. Defects in chromosome partitioning generate aneuploidy, the
state where entire chromosomes are gained or loss. Aneuploidy is a the most common chromosomal abnormality
in cancer cells and is thought to be a major factor in the evolution of cancer. It is also the leading cause of
miscarriages and hereditary birth defects in humans. The proposed work will lead to an understanding of the
mechanisms that ensure accurate chromosome partitioning. This work is important for maintaining genomic
stability and preventing human disease. Chromosome partitioning occurs when spindle microtubules move
chromosomes by interacting with kinetochores, the machines that assemble onto the chromosome at a locus
called the centromere. Kinetochores carry out a number of functions, such as maintaining load-bearing
attachments to the ends of microtubules that are continually growing and shrinking. They also control the cell
cycle when there is a defect in kinetochore attachments to microtubules. Our lab will address two fundamental
questions about chromosome segregation using in vitro assays: 1) How is kinetochore assembly regulated? 2)
How do kinetochore proteins contribute to force-dependent kinetochore-microtubule attachments? We will use
budding yeast for these studies because they are amenable to biochemical, genetic and cytological studies, and
the yeast kinetochore is the best characterized to date. Taken together, our work will lead toward an
understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of chromosome partitioning in all eukaryotes.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10933391
- **Project number:** 5R35GM149357-02
- **Recipient organization:** FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Susan Biggins
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $352,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-22 → 2028-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10933391

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10933391, Mechanisms underlying chromosome segregation (5R35GM149357-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10933391. Licensed CC0.

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