We push chromosomes around by micromanipulation
to learn more about chromosome movement in mitosis.
We have tugged on chromosomes to measure the forces
produced by the spindle and have chopped spindles
apart to locate the motor for chromosome movement.
Our current preoccupation is to connect cell mechanics
with molecular biology. Pulling on chromosomes alters
the phosphorylation of chromosomal proteins. Different
phosphorylation states signal the cell either to go
ahead and divide or to pause, allowing time for error
correction. Now we want to understand in more detail
how mechanical tension, whether from a micromanipulator's
needle or from normal mitotic forces, provides the
chemical signals that regulate the cell cycle. Other
interests concern evolution, in particular the evolution
of mitosis and the role of accidents as well as selection
in the origin of species. Trainees participate as
rotation students and graduate students on projects
they select themselves.
