# Microtubule Dynamics and Chromosome Segregation

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · 2020 · $388,750

## Abstract

Project Summary
The broad goal of this project is to understand the mechanistic contribution of force
generation by kinesin-related motors and dynamic microtubules to chromosome
segregation. Both microtubules and motors represent excellent targets for anti-cancer
drugs but to make wise choices for developing therapeutics it is necessary to understand
their contribution to cell division in detail. We have identified two relatively unstudied
kinesin-related motors, Kif25 and Kif9 that contribute key activities to facilitate proper
mitotic spindle function. We will use high resolution live cell imaging, gene editing,
Rapamycin-dependent knock-sideways approaches and single molecule assays in vitro
to investigate how Kif25 suppresses premature centrosome separation and how it exerts
inward force on the mitotic spindle sufficient to activate the spindle assembly checkpoint.
We will use similar techniques to understand how Kif9 enables dividing cells to bypass
the spindle assembly checkpoint. Underlying these activities are the dynamic
microtubules that serve as substrates for kinesin activity. We have developed a number
of assays that allow us to quantify subtle changes in microtubule dynamics. Stable
alterations in microtubule assembly dynamics are often result from loss or
overexpression of kinesin-like modulators, or other drivers of tumorigenesis. We will use
cell-based assays and live imaging to determine the mechanism by which altered
microtubule assembly rates impact long-term chromosome instability.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9840919
- **Project number:** 5R01GM069429-16
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Linda Wordeman
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $388,750
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2004-08-01 → 2020-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9840919

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9840919, Microtubule Dynamics and Chromosome Segregation (5R01GM069429-16). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9840919. Licensed CC0.

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