Research topic: Cell Cycle

About the cell cycle

This process must be very tightly regulated, as uncontrolled division can lead to a variety of problems. If a cell that is “too young” divides prematurely or in suboptimal conditions, the progeny are less likely to be healthy. Conversely, if cells that are “too old” continue to divide, they pass on any genomic errors they have accumulated to the daughter cells. Worst of all are cells that do not know when to stop dividing, as they deplete the resources needed by other cells and can invade and damage healthy tissues.

Research using model organisms (cells that behave in a similar way to the cells in our bodies, but much simpler) has identified certain protein complexes that regulate the cell cycle. The study of these complexes has answered many questions about how the cell cycle is controlled; however, many important and fascinating questions remain open.

Cell cycle research at BiO

At the Biotechnology Centre of Oslo, the Lopez-Aviles group is researching various aspects of the cell cycle.