Cell division is the process through which the genetic material is transmitted to the next generation of cells and is an essential process for life. It is possibly the most dynamic process in the life of a cell and, as such, it is subjected to intricate molecular controls. Nevertheless, chromosome segregation defects occur at cell division and have been related with aneuploidy and chromosomal instability in cancer. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms regulating mitotic processes and chromosome segregation fidelity will have broad biological significance and important implications.

Several IBPM groups are investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the control of cell division. To address these issues IBPM researchers integrate a wide range of molecular, genetic, cell biology and imaging approaches in different model systems: S. cerevisiae, D. melanogaster and mammalian tissue culture cells. Research projects within this broad field focus on the molecular and genetic analysis of mitotic structures and their functional regulatory mechanisms, the identification of the mechanisms leading to mitotic errors in cancer cells and the deciphering of cell cycle regulation, DNA damage response and apoptosis.