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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?

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animation of chromosome segregation


News

30 October, 2026

Identification of OMC1, a Factor Required for Long-Term Maintenance of Chromosome Cohesion in Oocytes

In mammalian oocytes, chromosome cohesion weakens with age, leading to chromosome segregation errors and aneuploidy. However, how the longevity of chromosome cohesion is determined has remained unclear. In collaboration with the Ishiguro laboratory at Chiba University and Kumamoto University, we identified OMC1, a novel factor required for the long-term maintenance of cohesin, the protein complex responsible for chromosome cohesion. OMC1 colocalizes with cohesin on chromosomes, and oocytes from OMC1-deficient mice prematurely lose cohesin and exhibit premature chromosome separation, resembling that observed in aged mice. The Omc1 gene is homologous to the human premature menopause-associated gene CCDC201. These findings are expected to advance our understanding of age-related infertility and may contribute to future developments in assisted reproductive technologies.
Nature Aging, doi:10.1038/s43587-026-01245-5.

30 October, 2026

"Dynamic Reproductive Lifespan" Next Generation Scientist Meeting

Tomoya Kitajima, Shuhei Yoshida, So Shimamoto, Manami Koshiguchi, and Tao Pan attended the Next Generation Scientist Meeting of Grant-in-Aid for Transformative Research Areas（A) "Dynamic Reproductive Lifespan" held in Nagareyama from October 21 to 23, 2026 and presented their researches.

20 October, 2026

EMBO Workshop on the Cell Cycle

At EMBO Workshop on the Cell Cycle: Exploring Conservation and Divergence in Life’s Engine, held in Lisbon, Portugal from October 5 to 7, 2026, Tomoya Kitajima delivered an invited lecture.

20 October, 2026

FASEB SRC Consequences of Aneuploidy

At FASEB SRC Consequences of Aneuploidy, held in Melbourne, USA from September 28 to October 1, 2026, Tomoya Kitajima delivered an invited lecture.

20 October, 2026

NIH-NHLBI CDBC Seminar

At the NIH-NHLBI CDBC Seminar, held in Bethesda, USA, on September 23, 2026, Tomoya Kitajima delivered an invited lecture.

1 October, 2026

The 119th SRD Meeting

Remi Kanemura and Emiko Ichihara attended the 119th SRD Meeting held in Morioka from September 24 to 26, 2026 and presented their researches.





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