Tomoya KITAJIMA Lab for Chromosome Segregation RIKEN

How do chromosomes divide?

In a body, every single cell has the same number of chromosomes. This is because when a cell divides, the replicated chromatids are equally segregated into daughter cells. But, the first meiotic division is a clear exception. This division segregates maternal and paternal chromosomes for production of eggs and sperms, which are the origin of a new life. What is the story behind this division?

News

23 June, 2025

Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Epigenetics

Tomoya Kitajima was invited to present our research at the 18th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Epigenetics held in Fukui from 19 to 20 June, 2025.

17 June, 2025

NTU-KU-UT Joint International Mini Symposium 2025

Miho Sakuma attended the NTU-KU-UT Joint International Mini Symposium 2025 held in Taipei, Taiwan on 14 June, 2025 and gave an oral presentation.

12 June, 2025

Annual Conference of the International Society for Reproductive Genetics (ISRG)

Tomoya Kitajima was invited to present our research at the 2025 Annual Conference of the International Society for Reproductive Genetics (ISRG) held in Changsha, China from 6 to 8 June, 2025.

5 June, 2025

Kinetochores regulate timely spindle bipolarization for correct chromosome segregation in mouse oocytes

Spindle bipolarization and kinetochore-microtubule attachments are critical for chromosome segregation. We found that the MPS1 kinase regulates spindle bipolarization during meiosis I in mouse oocytes. The MPS1 kinase promotes spindle bipolarization prior to stabilization of kinetochore-microtubule attachment. Timely spindle bipolarization, which is regulated by kinetochores, suppresses the formation of incorrect kinetochore-microtubule attachments during meiosis I in mouse oocytes.
・The EMBO Journal