What We Do and Why It Matters
The Mellone Lab studies how genetic information is accurately passed from one cell generation to the next. Our work focuses on centromeres, essential chromosome regions that direct the precise distribution of chromosomes to daughter cells during division.
Using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as our model system, we investigate how centromeres are built, maintained, and evolve. Taking advantage of the powerful genetic tools available in flies, we study how DNA sequences and proteins work together to create functional centromeres.
By uncovering the fundamental rules of chromosome inheritance in an experimentally tractable organism, our work provides insights into human diseases associated with chromosome segregation errors, such as cancer and birth defects, and informs future biotechnology applications.
Using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as our model system, we investigate how centromeres are built, maintained, and evolve. Taking advantage of the powerful genetic tools available in flies, we study how DNA sequences and proteins work together to create functional centromeres.
By uncovering the fundamental rules of chromosome inheritance in an experimentally tractable organism, our work provides insights into human diseases associated with chromosome segregation errors, such as cancer and birth defects, and informs future biotechnology applications.
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The image at the top of the page shows synchronously dividing early Drosophila embryo stained for tubulin (red) and DNA (green). Image by Dr. Leah Rosin