Robert Margolis, Ph.D.
Professor

Dr. Margolis' Active Grants
Dr. Margolis' Publications
rmargolis@skcc.org

Phone: (858)-450-5990, Ext. 262

Research Interests:

ANALYSIS OF CELL CYCLE CONTROL BY THE CYTOSKELETON AND REGULATION OF MITOTIC AND CELL CLEAVAGE FUNCTION.

Our work centers on the cell cycle and microtubules, with specific focus on the mitotic process, cytoplasmic organization, and cell cycle control. We have concentrated on the mechanisms of polymer regulation by associated proteins, and on interactions with mitotic organelles such as kinetochores and the telophase disc. The telophase disc is a transient spindle structure that we have described, with a potential role in the induction of cell cleavage. We are actively investigating the function of passenger proteins, participants in the formation of the telophase disc, and the role of PRC1, a protein required for the formation of the midzone microtubule bundle during anaphase. We are also actively investigating the individual roles of the group of proteins, called passenger proteins, which migrate from the chromosomes to the spindle midzone in late mitosis. Our goal is to determine the roles they play in the induction of cell division. We are also currently investigating cell cycle checkpoint control, particularly in mitosis and in G1, and the interaction between cell cycle controls and cytoskeletal behavior. Our focus is on G1 arrest of p53 competent cells following mitotic or cleavage failure. This arrest is probably central to the prevention of aneuploidy and tumorigenesis following mitotic catastrophe.