Tension-sensitive molecule helps cells divide chromosomes accurately

(University of Washington Health Sciences/UW Medicine) A tension-sensitive 'fail safe' protein helps make sure that when our cells divide the two resulting cells inherit the normal number of chromosomes. Chromosome separation errors, leading to too few or too many chromosomes, is the most common genetic abnormality in cancer cells. This latest finding in cell division biology may guide the development of new chemotherapeutic drugs that target the machinery of cell division.
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: news