Summary of the science
The cell cycle is the process that cells go through to grow, divide, and create new cells. Each cell contains chromosomes. These structures carry genetic information that contain important instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms. During this cycle, the chromosomes must be separated and divided correctly so each new cell has the correct number. Errors in this process can lead to aneuploidy (too many or not enough chromosomes), which can cause cancer and other problems. APC/C2 is a structure that helps control different stages of the cell cycle and it acts as an "on" switch causing the chromosomes to separate during cell division. It does this via a process called protein ubiquitination - basically it marks specific proteins so they start to breakdown.
About the research
David Barford's lab investigates the mechanisms and regulation of chromosome segregation during mitosis. By employing techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy and optical tweezers, they investigate the molecular and cellular structure of the kinetochore and its attachment to chromosomes and microtubules during cell division. APC/C2, also known as Anaphase-Promoting Complex/Cyclosome 2 is a E3 ubiquitin ligase that plays a crucial role in regulating various stages of the cell cycle, for example by triggering the transition from metaphase to anaphase.
About the illustration