Cell Cycle & Genome Stability Laboratory
Eukaryotic cells divide through mitosis to produce new cells with identical DNA. Yet, mitosis has to be ended for the two cells to be separated to become individual cells with the capacity to further divide. This occurs by a process called mitotic exit. Failure to control mitotic exit is the key cause of aneuploidy and genomic instability, which are hallmarks of cancer. Our lab is interested in understanding how cells control exit from mitosis to maintain genome integrity. The inherent asymmetry and genetic malleability of the unicellular budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, maintain it at the forefront of model systems in which to dissect cell cycle regulation. We use this excellent model organism in our research. Our research integrates cutting-edge microscopy, high-throughput genetics and state-of-the-art proteomics techniques to uncover complexities of mitosis. By revealing novel mechanisms of cell cycle control and genomic stability we hope to contribute discovery of novel targets for cell cycle related diseases such as cancer.