The kinetochore is a protein structure that mediates the transmission of genetic material from parent cells to daughter cells during cell division. The Dynamic Kinetochore workshop has established itself as the major platform for sharing scientific knowledge on the molecular details of kinetochore formation, structure and control and their relevance to cancer and other human diseases.
From the 28th of June to the 1st of July 2022, NCMM Group Leader Dr Nikolina Sekulic hosted the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) Kinetochore Workshop in Oslo, Norway. The Sekulic group welcomed over 90 participants from 9 countries to Soria Moria Hotel in Oslo.
The latest kinetochore research
Workshop participants were treated to four days of talks and two poster sessions covering the full spectrum of kinetochore research including centromeric identity, centromere and kinetochore assembly, kinetochore-microtubule interactions, chromosome segregation and cell cycle control. Participants came away from the workshop invigorated and having laid the groundwork for potential international collaborations.
A special highlight was the keynote lecture given by Rebecca Heald from the University of California Berkley. Professor Heald is a pioneer in the field using the Xenopus model system to understand how cells achieve proper chromosome segregation during cell division. She has received numerous awards for her scientific work and mentorship.
Commenting on the workshop NCMM Group Leader Dr Nikolina Sekulic said:
"It was an absolute pleasure and a great honour to host so many of my international colleagues here in Oslo. Especially because this workshop is taking place after a long time without international face-to-face events. As is tradition for dynamic kinetochore workshops, a large number of young professionals were present - students, postdocs, and early career scientists - and I hope we created a good environment for the exchange of ideas and experiences that will help them propel their research and their careers."
