Research Highlights
This research group studies many facets of the regulation and progression of the cell cycle. Of particular interest are the role(s) of the Anaphase Promoting Complex (APC) in cell cycle progression. There is an effort underway to crystallize this multi-protein complex for structural and biochemical studies. Work is also being done to identify new substrates for the various regulatory components of the cell cycle system. There are several projects in the lab attempting to recapitulate aspects of the cell cycle in a cell-free system that is easier to manipulate.
Investigations into the role of cell size on the progression of the cell cycle are underway. They will hopefully yield insight into the mechanisms that maintain cell size following cell division.
Embryonic Stem (ES) cells have shorter gap phases than other mammalian cell types and may offer clues to how cell cycle timing is regulated. Work is being done to identify differences in the progression of the cell cycle in these cells.