Daniela Cimini

Lab Website: Cimini Lab
Publications: Google Scholar

Cells maintain a correct chromosome number by equally segregating their chromosomes into two daughter cells at each mitotic division. Errors in this process lead to aneuploidy, a defect associated with birth defects and cancer. Accurate mitotic chromosome segregation is ensured by the mitotic apparatus, which consists of a microtubule-based mitotic spindle, the chromosomes and their associated kinetochores. Mitosis is a highly dynamic process and all the components of the mitotic apparatus exhibit dynamic behavior. Our lab is interested in identifying and characterizing the cellular mechanisms that can cause aneuploidy. To this end, BIOTRANS students will perform live-cell and high resolution microscopy, and quantify various parameters in both live and fixed cells under various conditions (e.g., cancer vs. normal; chemical inhibition vs. control; etc.).

Biological Sciences | College of Science | Dynamics of Chromosome Segregation | Dynamics of Mitosis & the Mitotic Apparatus