Barbara Mellone, Ph.D.
Mentor
Department of Molecular & Cell Biology
The central goal of our research program is to understand how genetic information is transmitted accurately during cell division, a fundamental biological process that is critical for all life. We focus on the centromere, an essential chromosomal locus that directs kinetochore assembly and accurate chromosome segregation in mitosis and meiosis. The presence of one – and only one – centromere on each chromosome is required to prevent aneuploidy, chromosome breakage, and genome rearrangements, all of which are hallmarks of tumors, developmental defects, and infertility in humans.
Our model system is Drosophila, which offers unparalleled genetic tools, a wealth of genomic and phylogenetic resources, and the distinct advantage of enabling the analysis of centromere function in the context of the whole organism. We use genetics, high-resolution microscopy, genome editing, and genomics to manipulate centromeric DNA and proteins with the goal of unveiling the mechanisms that define the centromere site and govern its function and evolution.
