Molecular stop signal identified: The surveillance system of cell division
Originally published by Birte Vierjahn, University of Duisburg-Essen, on June 4, 2024 Credit: Current Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.062 Several million cells divide every second in our bodies. During nuclear division ( mitosis ), the genetic material must be distributed correctly and completely between the daughter cells— errors in this process can lead to defective developments or genetic disorders , and many cancer cells are also characterized by unequal numbers of chromosomes . Therefore, if errors in the division process become apparent , the cell can stop it . Biologists at the University of Duisburg-Essen have been able to elucidate this process at a molecular level . Their findings are published in Current Biology . During cell division , mitotic spindles are formed —tiny fibers that originate at opposite poles of the cell and bind to the chromosomes to pull one represen...