Prof. Dr. Stefan Westermann

Molecular Genetics I

University of Duisburg-Essen

Phone: +49 201 183 2733
Email

During the division of eukaryotic cells, chromosomes have to be distributed precisely in order to ensure that each daughter cell contains the complete genetic blueprint of an entire organism. Errors in this segregation process can lead to unbalanced chromosome numbers, a situation frequently observed in cancer cells.
The kinetochore is one of the most fascinating multi-protein complexes of eukaryotic cells and plays a central role in the chromosome segregation process. A kinetochore consists of hundreds of polypeptides assembled into sophisticated molecular structure that forms a dynamic connection between a chromosome and microtubule filaments. Kinetochores ensure that sister chromatids are captured by the spindle, that attachment errors are corrected and that microtubule-based forces can pull sister chromatids apart.
In the context of this CRC, we will undertake a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to define the molecular mechanisms that establish kinetochore bi-orientation on the mitotic spindle and thereby trigger the metaphase-anaphase cell state transition in the budding yeast S. cerevisiae. We will use a combination of biochemical reconstitution approaches and high-end imaging to define the molecular requirements for the assembly of a plus-end associated outer kinetochore and to reveal new regulatory mechanisms in the segregation process.