Whitaker International Scholar, 2008-09

Home Institution: University of Minnesota

Host Country, Institution: Germany, Max Planck Institute

Project Title: In Vitro Analysis of Microtubule Length Regulation During Mitosis

Project Abstract:

The overall objective of this project will be to perform in vitro studies aimed at understanding the nanoscale mechanochemical process that regulates the length of microtubles during cell division.  This process contributes to the proper segregation of chromosomes during mitosis.  Errors in chromosome segregation have important clinical outcomes in cancer and in other human diseases.  By isolating the key proteins involved in this process and recapitulating their activity in vitro, the basic physical principles underlying mitotic microtubule length regulation can be studied.